The Co-op is deploying mobile pop-up stores to offset the impact of temporary closures as it embarks on its extensive programme of store refurbishment. Converting stores to its 'Second Generation' convenience format can require closing units for up to two weeks, so mobile kiosks with a core range of 120 lines are being located nearby to provide shoppers with a stop-gap.
The first kiosk, measuring 4m by 2.3m, will open on August 13 at Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire where the Co-op Food store will be closed for a week for refurbishment.
The Co-op chose Accio Group to fabricate the bespoke units as a result of seeing a number of successful deployments of kiosks for other Accio retail clients, also used to provide a trading presence during store refurbishment programmes.
The kiosks can also be deployed as disaster recovery solutions where fire, flood or structural damage would otherwise have an adverse effect.
The ability to trade through store closure periods is critical for retailers. The kiosks stock a carefully selected range of everyday items across ambient and chilled lines, as well as tobacco products, to provide regular shoppers with daily essentials and maintain an ongoing dialogue to keep the community up to speed with develops in store.
A connection to the main store EPOS system can be maintained from the kiosk till to manage pricing and stock levels.
The kiosks are usually shut down overnight and are constructed to create a secure unit when facia boards and counters are fully retracted. Generators can be used to provide power in remote locations.
Commenting on this initiative in the Sunday Telegraph last month, Steve Murrells, CEO of the Co-op’s retail arm said “Pop-up shops are a good example of how we’re discovering the Co-op’s creative juices. Obviously it’s a very tailored range, but it allows us to meet the needs of customers in that local area. In future, pop-up shops will be used to bring the Co-op’s retail offering to areas of the country where it does not have any shops.”
Accio MD Stephen Casey said “We are delighted to be working with the project team at the UK’s 5th largest food retailer. Our ability to design and build temporary trading solutions for the UK’s top retailers signifies our standing in the industry and is a fine demonstration of our creative problem solving skills, matched by our ‘can-do’ attitude. In the fiercely competitive world of food retailing, our clients appreciate these qualities and the value we add to the store development teams we work alongside.”
About Accio Group
Accio Group is one of the leading modular buildings suppliers in Europe, specialising in 2D component and 3D volumetric demountable permanent (and non-permanent) solutions for major retailers and developers of built environments.
They are a preferred supplier for Sainsbury’s, Tescos, Royal Mail Group and Lidl and have supported a host of others on individual assignments.
During 2013, Accio Group created in excess of 20,000sqft additional operational space for Sainsbury’s using innovative ‘Buildoffsite’ modular construction techniques.
The Accio Events division manages corporate events and supplies infrastructure to major sporting events. Clients include leading brands and businesses, private clients and members of the Royal Household.
Accio were voted the Barclays Small Business of the Year 2014 in the Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards.
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For further information contact Chris Ellis, Sales & Marketing Director - 01487 773 905 - [email protected]
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