Co-op has opened its first store on the UK Defence estate at HMS Collingwood, forming part of the growth ambitions for its franchise business.

The convenience retailer has partnered with specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK, ESS Defence, as well as the Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to deliver the purpose-built new retail facility in the Junior Ranks Mess.

The store, which operates as a Co-op franchise, provides a range of hot and cold food-to-go options and a food-for-later offer, alongside fresh grocery lines.

Image: David McHugh

Costa hot beverages are also available via two self-serve machines, alongside Co-op’s bakery range and non-food items including household essentials, with the product range having been tailored to reflect the population on site, which includes military personnel, civil servants and contractors.

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Image: David McHugh

Customers will have access to a range of branded and the grocer’s own-branded products, promotions including meal deals, and the benefits of Co-op membership.

Six self-service tills have been implemented for added speed and convenience, along with external digital media.

Image: David McHugh

Co-op director of partnership development Martin Rogers said: “We are really proud to launch a Co-op serving the HMS Collingwood community, it’s an exciting development and hopefully the first of many together.

“We enjoy working closely with quality partners and look forward to sharing our convenience expertise, own brand and membership across a range of new and diverse sectors as part of our growth plan.”

ESS Defence, Marine and Aerospace managing director Bob Gray added: “Retail innovation is one of our primary focus points for clients and customers and we’re delighted to have opened the first Co-op on the UK Defence estate.

“We’re committed to giving our customers access to retail offers that align with what they see on the high street, and what better way than by partnering with such a well-established brand.”