Co-op serves-up new and improved store in village of West Kingsdown

Co-op has launched a new, improved and larger store (Friday 18^thAugust 2023) to serve the village of West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks (Kent).

The convenience retailer is relocating to a new, purpose-built, near 3,000 sq ft store on Hever Road. The new store supports 21 local jobs – with new positions created. It is almost 50 percent larger than its previous store in the village, with improved back-of-shop storage to further enhance the range, choice and availability.

Opening between 6am-10pm daily, the new store includes a free ATM to provide access to cash in the community, in-store bakery, hot food and, a Costa coffee dispenser.

Amazon parcel collections will be included, and there will be an enhanced range of fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from; vegan and plant-based products – including Co-op’s exclusive vegan range, GRO.

Earlier this month, Co-op announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70 million, as it extends its ‘member-only’ pricing across everyday essentials, launching with a list of nearly 200 fixed lines including milk, eggs and bread. The move also includes retail price reductions on more than 600 lines, ensuring they are in line or cheaper than other national convenience stores.

A funding boost is also provided locally through Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of Co-op unlocks additional value with personalised offers and Member pricing benefits. In addition, Members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance, with Co-op donating the same amount to local causes and, community organisations – so, Members can make a difference locally simply by shopping at Co-op.

Tom Cox, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We have had a great response – it is very exciting to be launching Co-op’s newest store. Our aim is to always operate at the heart of local life and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. We have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently. With a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives. Its Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation, and enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only pricing across everyday essentials, money back on own-brand purchases, personalised offers and gamification via the Co-op app, pre-sale opportunities for Co-op Live and music festival tickets.

Alongside Food, Co-op operates Funeralcare; Insurance and Legal Services.