Co-op has served up its newest food store in Highgate, North London, following a £640k investment creating up to 20 local jobs.
The new convenience store – located in the Archway, Junction Road – opens between 7am-11pm daily and runs on 100% renewable electricity.
The store includes an in-store bakery, Costa coffee and hot food alongside a focus on fresh, heathy produce, award winning wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.
Contactless card payment limits have been increased to £45, making it easier, quicker and safer to shop.
The Co-op also provides a funding boost locally and gives back to causes in the area through its Membership scheme, where Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own brand products, and the retailer donates a further 1% to community causes.
The store’s Food Share scheme works to minimise food waste and make a difference locally, working with local not-for-profit organisations to share food with those in need in the community.
While the Co-op’s Community Shopping Card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials - cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.
Dinesh Patel, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment to serve the community – we have had a great response. Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. We also want customers to know that they can become a Member of their Co-op, and make a difference every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own branded products.”
The Co-op picked up the “Convenience Retailer of the Year” and “Food-to-go Retailer of the Year” titles at the latest Retail Industry Awards.