Co-op has extended its supply agreement with pop-up shop specialist Rapid Retail for another seven years.
The move means the retailer will be able to continue serving local communities when a store temporarily closes for refurbishment.
The walk-in pop-up shops – which are up to 290 sq ft – typically run for one to four months, and are often placed outside the main store while refurbishment is in place.
They have also been used for emergencies. In 2015, Co-op said it supported flood-affected communities, such as in Hebden Bridge, when it was hit by adverse weather on Boxing Day.
The retailer also utilised a pop-up shop when its Honley store, in West Yorkshire, was damaged by fire.
“Our use of temporary pop-up stores is very well received in local communities,” said Co-op project support co-ordinator Kevin Holder. “The pop-up shops also allow us to react quickly to local emergencies, and form an integral part of our planned refurbishment programme where the units enable us to continue to meet the needs of members and customers locally by serving a wide range of everyday essentials, conveniently, while we are refurbishing and improving their local Co-op.”
Rapid Retail MD Nick Daffern said: “We’re delighted to be working with Co-op and other major retailers, to support them in capitalising on the benefits of pop-up shops for business continuity – minimising any negative impact of a refurbishment, while maximising revenue opportunities.
“Every unit we supply is self-contained and highly secure. When they are no longer needed, they can simply be moved to another location, making it a very cost effective and efficient model.
“Pop-up shops are a tried and tested solution for maximise sales opportunities in high footfall areas and we’re also increasingly supporting retailers to capitalise on this, by generating additional revenue streams in external spaces, such as car parks.”
The Co-op and Rapid Retail initially kicked off their tie-up in 2015 with a seven-year contract.
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