The Co-op is set to open its latest food store on Thursday, December 3, following a £560,000 investment to create a new convenience store in Catshill, Bromsgrove.

The store, on Gibbs Lane, has created 15 new jobs as The Co-op invests to transform and grow its convenience business.

It will feature a focus on fresh, healthy foods and essentials, an in-store bakery, ATM and dedicated car parking.

The store will also launch a Community Pioneer role, where a member of the food store team, Yasmin Millward, will also work to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising initiatives to helping to understand and develop solutions to meet community needs. This will include

support for the British Red Cross, The Co-op’s new charity partnership which will help to tackle social isolation and loneliness in communities

Kerry Preedy, manager of the new Co-op food store in Catshill, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in Catshill and to be launching The Co-op’s latest food store - the store is looking fantastic and, it really is an exciting time for the whole team.

"The Co-op is investing to transform and grow its convenience business, enhancing the in-store experience while lowering the price of everyday essentials. We are confident that the new store will be a real asset to the community, enabling shoppers to pick up delicious food conveniently and, as a community retailer and a co-operative, it will play its part in local life too.”

There will be offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch. Students – who hold a NUS extra card – receive a 10 per cent discount off their groceries in store.

And, The Co-op has also announced a £125 million investment in lowering the price of everyday essentials – a move which has seen it prune the price of over 100 lines of fresh fruit and vegetables including revolving offers on popular produce, called “fresh three”.