The Co-op has opened its largest pop-up store to date in Barking Riverside to serve customers at the new residential hub.
The store situated at Barking Riverside enhances the amenity offer for existing residents before the symbol group retailer moves into its new, permanent location.
The unit comes complete with shop floor fittings, refrigeration, shelving and tills including self-serve, as well as the back-of-house that has a cold room and bakery facilities.
At 1,500 sq ft, the convenience store is the retailer’s largest ‘temporary’ store and has been supplied by Worcestershire-based modular retail experts, Rapid Retail.
The new store will create up to 15 local jobs and has been acquired by the Co-op on an initial three-year basis.
Earlier this year it was confirmed that pop-up shop provider, Rapid Retail, had secured a supply agreement extension with Co-op, supporting the retailer’s commitment to serve and support communities with temporary structure solutions.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to launch Co-op’s newest store, and serve the community from our temporary, modular, store while we await the development of our new permanent home on the site,” Co-op regional acquisition manager Martyn Clarke said.
He added: “We are pleased to work with Rapid Retail, the units enable us to meet the needs of Members and customers locally and provide an ideal temporary solution.”
Rapid Retail managing director Nick Daffern added: “We’re delighted to have built on our long-standing relationship with Co-op with this project and continue to support them in capitalising on the many benefits of pop-up shops.”
“Every unit we supply is self-contained and highly secure. When they are no-longer needed, they can simply be moved to another location, making it a very cost effective and sustainable model.
“The fact they can be acquired through a rental agreement and put in place at speed, makes them a very attractive option for retailers.”
