The Co-op is set to open its first-ever Welsh franchise store as the retailer aims to grow its franchise business.

The 2,700 sq ft Parc Derwen store opens between 7 am-10 pm daily and has created 16 local jobs for the community.

The store has an in-store bakery, Costa coffee, customer car parking and online home delivery of groceries through Deliveroo.

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Co-op director of partnership Martin Rogers said of its franchise stores: “It is a tried and tested model, where our franchise partners utilise Co-op’s market-leading convenience expertise to operate their own store under Co-op’s iconic brand – allowing us to bring Co-op products to more places, closer to where our member-owners and customers live and work.

“It is a channel we are focused on growing, as we work closely with partners of pedigree who share our values and principles in order to expand our franchise operation.”

The convenience retailer currently operates almost 40 franchise stores, following its launching stores two new stores in December.