Co-op has opened a new franchise store at the Royal Navy’s HMS Collingwood facility, marking its first venture into the UK defence estate.
The retailer has opened the store in partnership with ESS Defence, a specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK.
The site in Fareham, Hampshire has been tailored to reflect the population on site, which includes military personnel, civil servants and contractors.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with ESS and our franchise partnerships, bringing Co-op and the benefits of membership to new communities and more places,” said Co-op director of partnership development Martin Rogers.
“We are really proud to launch a Co-op serving the HMS Collingwood community. It’s an exciting development and hopefully the first of many together. We enjoy working closely with quality partners and look forward to sharing our convenience expertise, own brand and membership across a range of new and diverse sectors as part of our growth plan.”
HMS Collingwood commanding officer Captain Tim Davey said: “I was absolutely delighted to be part of the opening ceremony of the new Co-op store in HMS Collingwood. The combined teams from ESS, Co-op and many more here have worked tirelessly to deliver an exciting new store with minimal disruption, and it will certainly help to improve the lived experience and choices for the entire workforce in Collingwood.”
ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace MD Bob Gray added: “Retail innovation is one of our primary focus points for clients and customers, and we’re delighted to have opened the first Co-op on the UK defence estate.
”We’re committed to giving our customers access to retail offers that align with what they see on the high street, and what better way than by partnering with such a well-established brand. Co-op brings with it specific associations around quality, value and community, and we’re looking forward to bringing these to life for our customers at HMS Collingwood.”
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