The Co-operative Group has revealed that it is set to acquire three new outlets as part of its ongoing expansion programme.
The stores, which currently operate as Budgens, will be refurbished and rebranded as Co-operative shops before Christmas. All 36 staff at the branches in Amesbury, Wilton and Didcot will be kept on by the Co-op once the transition is completed.
Co-operative Food business development manager Martin Vickerman said: “These three stores are just the sort of locations we’re looking for, and will complement our existing store network. They will be valuable additions to our portfolio, and mark another important step in our ambitious plans to expand.”
The firm remains on the lookout for both leasehold and freehold stores of under 3,000 sq ft to convert to its Co-op Food brand. It aims to open more than 300 new outlets throughout Britain between now and 2013, providing jobs for an estimated 7,000 people.
The announcement came after rival Waitrose revealed its third-quarter sales were up by 10.2 per cent year on year, providing a timely confidence boost ahead of the crucial festive period.
