The Midcounties Co-operative has separated the management of 25 stores bigger than 8,000 sq ft from its total of 238 food stores to increase the performance of the larger outlets.
It comes as it is poised to launch a new format at its Chipping Norton store and agreed to concessions for rival retailers in other larger stores.
Phil Ponsonby, the new group general manager of food, and Mark Taylor, who will now head up the supermarket division, are driving the changes.
In Chipping Norton, which re-opens on 14 July, the retailer will develop its fresh service counters and its food-for-now offering, including hot food, in a store it was extending from 7,200 sq ft to 14,000 sq ft. This includes a Discovery Zone to showcase local products.
“We’re working with Federal Trading Services to fully exploit the strength of the Co-operative brand by having the best range and depth of products,” said group general manager of food Phil Ponsonby.
He added the management separation was geared towards increasing the performance of the supermarket portfolio for the long term. “We have no plans to sell this group of stores,” he said.
“The shape of food retailing in the UK has changed significantly in recent years. This change looks set to continue and has had a huge impact on our larger stores, in the same way that it has with all retailers. We recognise the need to adapt our formats to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
The retailers signed up for concessions include Dorothy Perkins, Brantano, The Works and Bon Marche.
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