Newcastle University Student Union has joined forces with the Co-op in a move which will see the retailer’s first franchise store open in the North East.
The agreement will see the existing students’ union store extended and transformed with a fresh new-look in time for Fresher’s this September.
The new store will be managed and run by Newcastle University Students’ Union, giving employment opportunities to undergraduates.
The new 2,500 sqft store will offer Co-op’s full range of fresh foods, extended vegan and free-from offerings as well as Fairtrade products.
A funding boost for local causes is also on the cards through the Co-op’s Membership scheme in which members receive a 5% reward when buying own-brand products, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to causes in the area.
Graham Hattam, Newcastle University Students’ Union Director of Commercial, said: “We are excited to announce the introduction of a Co-op store into our Students’ Union and bring the first franchise store in the North East to our very own campus.
“This initiative supports our focus on providing healthy, affordable, fresh food and drink for students on campus, and complements our overarching objectives around enhancing the student experience.
“NUSU has been awarded ‘Students’ Union of the Year’ for the last two years consecutively, and a huge part of this success has been driven through delivering these types of initiatives which directly address the wants and needs of our students."
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Martin Rogers, Co-op’s head of new channels, said: “This is an important development for Co-op.
“Our Franchise stores provide an exciting opportunity to grow our brand and create value for our partners and communities.
“At the heart of the Co-op it is about connecting communities, bringing people together and making a difference. In line with other work we are doing with Students’ Unions across the country Newcastle Union is a natural progression, with the new store having the choice, ease and convenience tailored to serve campus needs. We look forward to working closely with Newcastle Students Union and serving the campus community.”
Co-op franchise stores operate elsewhere on campus at Leeds and Kent University.