The Co-op has opened its initial franchise store in Wales, UK, situated in the Parc Derwen community, Bridgend.

The convenience retailer, known for its franchise business model, has launched this initiative as part of its broader strategy to extend its services to various communities.

Operational details

The Co-op Parc Derwen Bridgend franchise, covering 2,700ft², commenced operations on 18 January. Operating daily from 7am to 10pm, the store has resulted in the creation of 16 local jobs.

The establishment includes an in-store bakery, a Costa Coffee outlet, and offers various products, including fresh items, meal options, everyday essentials, and food-to-go selections.

Community services and sustainability initiatives

To cater to local needs, the store provides customer car parking facilities. Future services will include online home delivery through Deliveroo and parcel collection.

In line with its sustainability efforts, the Co-op franchise features a soft plastics recycling unit.

This initiative allows the community to recycle plastic packaging such as crisp packets, bread bags, lids from ready meals, yoghurt pots, biscuit wrappers, and pet food pouches.

The goal is to ensure that all of the Co-op's food packaging is recyclable, either through kerbside collections or in-store soft plastic recycling.