Bryncoch Co-op to open shortly

The Co-op retail group will invest more than £11m in the new stores and in refurbishing 12 existing stores around the country.

The first of the new stores to be opened will be in Heywood Lane, Tenby, and is expected to open by the end of April. Other new stores will be in Cardiff, Wrexham, Rossett, Machen, Bryncoch, Bodelwyddan, Rhos on Sea and Llanharan.

The store at Bryncoch was once the Lamb & Flag  pub is currently undergoing converion.

The move is part of the grocer’s strategy of building on its network of local convenience stores instead of competing directly with the larger supermarkets.

It aims to position itself as the country’s most popular community retailer, carving out a position as the most frequently visited supermarket as evidence suggests that shoppers increasingly shop little and often.

Data released last month by the retail analysts Kantar Worldpanel indicate that the Co-op is the fastest growing non-discounter food store. It has grown its Loved by us and Truly Irresistible own-label sales by 7%, with sales of fresh and chilled produce growing fastest.

..... Wales online