Co-op Wholesale and Roadchef have jointly opened the first of eight new convenience stores to jumpstart a nationwide store rollout.

The brands announced a strategic partnership in April, revealing that they would be developing a number of former Spar-branded sites into modern convenience stores. The first branch to open is in Norton Canes, in Staffordshire.

The store introduces a new ‘& Co-op’ store fascia, which will sit alongside the existing Nisa and ‘Proud to stock Co-op’ storefronts.

The Norton Canes & Co-op has been designed to help retailers stand out while promoting the core convenience shopping missions that Co-op caters for. Further ‘& Co-op’ stores will be opening later in 2025.

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The collaboration between Co-op and Roadchef aims to bring Co-op’s award-winning range of own-brand products to motorway service areas. It places a strong emphasis on customer experience, value and convenience, with a selection tailored to high-footfall motorway locations.

This means a large choice of food to go and food for later products, such as pizzas and ready meals, plus a full in-store bakery offer.

“This is a pivotal moment in our journey as Co-op Wholesale and I’m so proud to see & Co-op in Roadchef locations. This is more than just a supply agreement – it marks the start of a long-term partnership,” said Co-op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan.

“Through this collaboration, Roadchef can harness the strength of our iconic Co-op brand to deliver a truly compelling convenience offer to millions of travellers across the UK.”

Roadchef chief executive Tim Gittins added, “Our customers expect choice, value and convenience when they stop at our service areas, and our partnership with Co-op Wholesale helps us deliver just that. The & Co-op proposition is a perfect fit for our sites and aligns with our ambition to elevate the retail experience across our estate.”