LONDON – Great West London reports that for the first time in the company's 173-year history, The Co-Operative has launched its first franchise convenience store at a petrol station.

The pilot Co-Op store, which opened on May 25, is in partnership with MRH, which owns more than 450 forecourts across the United Kingdom. The news source notes that Co-Op is one of the few large operators in the convenience retail industry that has seen sales grow in the first quarter, which could be due to a £70 million investment in 100 new stores, with a particular focus on growth in London and the South East.

Martin Rogers, Co-Op’s head of franchise operations, told the news source: “The whole team is excited to be involved in the launch of this new petrol station store. We’re looking forward to serving the community here in Eastcote and learning more about the local causes that we can support.”

Rogers added that Co-Op’s goal is to establish the c-store as a local hub for the community. "The store is also giving back to local good causes through our membership scheme. Co-op members make a difference locally every time they shop. Simply swiping their membership card when they buy [our] branded products and services will raise much needed funding for organizations who contribute to improving local life.”

Karen Dickens, CEO of MRH, said: “This pilot is an exciting development for MRH, and part of a wider move to increase the retail offering for customers at our sites. We look forward to working with the Co-op team as we pilot this model with them, and explore further ways we can ensure our customers time and again choose to visit MRH for their petrol and convenience needs.”