The UK-based Co-operative Group (Co-op) has opened its first franchised store in partnership with petrol forecourt operator EG On The Move.

The new store, located on Ogden Road in Doncaster, UK marks the beginning of a seven-site trial as part of Co-op’s broader franchise growth strategy.

The partnership aims to leverage Co-op’s convenience experience and EG On The Move’s forecourt network.

The new store offers a range of services, including electric vehicle charging, a cashpoint, a Starbucks, and food and drink options.

It also stocks a wide variety of fresh, chilled, and healthy products, including fairtrade, free-from, vegan, and plant-based options.

Additionally, Co-op will introduce online grocery delivery from the site through Deliveroo in the near future.

Joshua Kershaw, store manager, expressed excitement about the new store and its potential to serve the local community:

“The whole team is delighted to launch the newest Co-op store. It looks fantastic, and it is very exciting to be opening the brand-new franchise store which combines Co-op’s convenience expertise with EG On The Move’s petrol forecourt business," he said.

"This is part of our broader expansion in the petrol forecourt market," added Jerome Saint-Marc, director of Partnership Development at Co-op.

"It follows our strategy to pivot our growth in this market through franchise, growing our presence and enabling us to best utilise our expertise and offer in convenience."

"Following on from this seven-store trial, we look forward to working with Co-op to consider other locations across the network," finalised Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move.

Co-op is a consumer-owned cooperative with a focus on supporting UK farmers and growers.

The company has ambitious growth plans, aiming to expand its franchise store count to more than 500 by 2030, with a third of those located at petrol forecourts.