Co-operative Food has opened its 83rd new store of 2012 last week, on Thursday as part of its long-term programme to expand and invest in its food store estate. The store was opened in Tangmere, West Sussex, following an investment of £1.8m.
The company has launched 15 stores across the country in December, with eight stores opening in just one day, one of the largest acquisition and development programmes The Co-operative has undertaken since the Somerfield acquisition.
The Co-operative has ramped up its activity and launched 83 stores in 2012, averaging almost two stores per week, as part of its ongoing acquisition and new store development strategy. It has also completed several major extension projects this year, including a scheme to double the size of its Alsager store in Cheshire, as well as the £3m transformation of its Sandwich store in Kent and a £2m scheme in Wherrytown, Cornwall.
Stuart Hookins, head of portfolio strategy and acquisitions for The Co-operative Food, said: “Our new store development strategy was ambitious this year, but we have managed to deliver more than 80 new stores in a challenging climate.
“The acquisition of the David Sands chain in Scotland at the start of the year and more recently the Costcutter stores in London, as well as our ongoing development activity, highlights our ambition to expand our food store estate.
“All our newly launched stores are in excellent locations, increasing our presence in key locations across Scotland and central and Greater London. They also complement our existing network and are valuable additions to our portfolio.”
