Co-op Wholesale’s Co-op Franchise model, which operates at institutions such as universities and forecourt locations, has opened three new uni convenience stores over the past month.
Queen Mary University of London was the first to launch, on 10 September, followed by the University of Leicester on 17 September and most recently, University of Glasgow, which only started trading on 23 September.
The three campus convenience outlets are described as “perfectly positioned” to serve students and lecturers alike as they go about their day. It also marks the debut Co-op Franchise store at a campus-based London University, described as a “key milestone” for the growing business area.
Expanding presence
Since opening its first University franchise store in 2019, Co-op has steadily expanded its presence across the sector, working alongside universities and student unions to develop stores designed specifically around the needs of students, staff and visitors.
Universities choosing the Co-op Franchise model gain access to its proven retail expertise, operational support, technology platforms and a nationally recognised supply chain, Co-op Wholesale said.
The model enables partners to benefit from a professionally managed retail offer “without needing to develop specialist convenience retail expertise themselves,” the group added.
The partnership model also aligns with the values of the higher education sector through Co-op’s wider long-standing commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability and community impact.
Melanie Crunkhorn, business development manager for franchise at Co-op Wholesale, said: “All three of the new store openings have been welcomed with open arms. They’re already trading well - it’s great to see what a useful resource they’ve become to the specialist customer-base they serve.
”We’ve taken immense pride in working alongside them to set them up for success and look forward to supporting them closely going forward.”
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