The Co-op will this week open three of the four former Little Waitrose stores it bought in June.
Due to open on Friday (26 October), the stores are in key city centre locations with two in Manchester and one in Birmingham.
The fourth store in London’s Portman Square will open at the beginning of November.
“We are pleased to have been able to work with Waitrose to agree the purchase of four of its convenience stores,” said Co-op director of property portfolio and development Stuart Hookins.
“Our acquisition and refit programme forms a fundamental part of our food strategy. We are working to get closer to our members and customers, and we are continually looking for exciting new communities where our stores can be at the heart of local life - working to create stronger communities and offering great quality products conveniently, when and where our members and customers need them.”
The society said the new stores would also deliver a funding boost for local causes through the Co-op’s membership scheme whereby members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-brand products, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local causes.
“We also want customers to know they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And that we are also giving back to the community,” added Hookins.
“Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much-needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”
The Co-op said there will also be offers and promotions in the new stores to mark their launch.
It said it is on track to open 100 new stores in 2018, the third consecutive year it will have done so.
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