Co-op and The Original Factory Shop have today confirmed plans for up to 30 TOFS concessions to open inside the convenience retailer’s food stores over the next 15 months.
The concessions inside branches of the Co-op will sell the retailer's range of bargain-based clothing, pets, electrical and homewares and will also offer a party shop service and click and collect.
Mark Matthews, Co-op’s Director of Innovation and Format, said: “Co-op is committed to operating at the heart of local life and creating value in our communities - we are working to develop new ways to provide added services and choice, conveniently, The Original Factory Shop compliments our fantastic range of food, groceries and every-day essentials. It attracts new and different customers and, supports our work to create a compelling offer to serve our members and customers locally.”
Phil Briggs, Managing Director for The Original Factory Shop, says “We’re really excited to be working with the Co-op. It marks the coming together of two great community retailers and is testament to the importance of convenience stores and the role that these shops play in local life. It means that many local communities will get to discover The Original Factory Shop’s great bargains in a whole new way.”
The Original Factory Shop, whose first store opened in Keighley in 1969, is known for offering up to 70% discount off big name brands. The new strategy is part of The Original Factory Shop’s latest phase of growth after announcing its plans earlier this year to open 50 further stores and create 400 jobs over the next three years. The Original Factory Shop concessions typically occupy around 2,300 sq ft, and create 10 local jobs, the retailer is adding up to 150 new products to its stores and website each week.
Outlets opening inside Co-op stores as part of The Original Factory Shop’s expansion plan include: Hereford, Plympton, Stornoway, Whitby, Prudhoe, Shotts, Kippax, Cranleigh, Machynlleth and Lampeter.
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