Co-op partners with The Original Factory Shop on new concessions
The Co-op has announced that up to 30 The Original Factory Shop concessions will open inside its food stores over the next 15 months.
The concessions will sell The Original Factory Shop’s range of bargain-based clothing, pet products, electrical items and homewares and will also offer a party shop service.
The move is part of the Co-op’s strategy to work with partners to create additional services in-store. It will also support The Original Factory Shop’s expansion plans.
Mark Matthews, Co-op’s director of innovation and format, said: “Co-op is committed to operating at the heart of local life and creating value in our communities – we are working to develop new ways to provide added services and choice, conveniently, The Original Factory Shop compliments our fantastic range of food, groceries and every-day essentials. It attracts new and different customers and, supports our work to create a compelling offer to serve our members and customers locally.”
The Original Factory Shop opened it first store in 1969 and is known for offering up to a 70% discount off big name brands. The company is currently working on its latest phase of growth after announcing earlier this year that its plans to open 50 new stores and create 400 jobs over the next three years. Its concessions typically occupy around 2,300 square feet of space.
Phil Briggs, managing director of The Original Factory Shop, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the Co-op. It marks the coming together of two great community retailers and is testament to the importance of convenience stores and the role that these shops play in local life. It means that many local communities will get to discover The Original Factory Shop’s great bargains in a whole new way.”
Outlets opening inside Co-op stores will include shops in Hereford, Plympton, Stornoway, Whitby, Prudhoe, Shotts, Kippax, Cranleigh, Machynlleth and Lampeter.
