Co-op

Nationwide Store Openings & Transformations

Overview

For over 12 years, RMS has played a central role in supporting Co-op’s nationwide convenience estate, delivering fast turnaround store openings and refurbishment programmes designed to keep pace with Co-op’s ambitious growth strategy. 

With community based stores operating within tight timeframes and trading windows, Co-op required a partner capable of delivering flexible, precise and dependable services across a large scale rolling programme.

Summary

Over 450 store openings and refurbishments

  • End to end programme management
  • Flexible, rapid installation and merchandising teams
  • Consistent delivery across urban, suburban and rural locations
  • Seasonal, promotional and layout reset support

Scope of Work

RMS was appointed to provide end to end project and programme management for Co-op’s national rollout, supporting store openings and refurbishments across the UK.

Our services included:

  • Store layout and planogram setup
  • Fixture and equipment installation
  • Merchandising support and full category implementation
  • Seasonal and promotional reset programmes
  • Ongoing reconfiguration support across trading stores

Delivery Approach

Co-op stores typically demand high speed delivery, limited downtime and seamless coordination with multiple trades. RMS deployed multi disciplinary teams nationwide to ensure each site followed Co-op’s exacting specification while maintaining operational continuity where stores remained open.

Key delivery features included:

  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate community store constraints
  • Coordinated installation and merchandising teams for efficient handovers
  • Dedicated programme management and central reporting
  • Rapid mobilisation for time sensitive openings

With short lead times, condensed store footprints and the need to maintain trading continuity, the programme demanded flexible scheduling across hundreds of locations, coordinated installation and merchandising delivery and rapid mobilisation to meet opening dates.

Outcome

RMS has successfully delivered hundreds of store openings and transformations for Co-op, enabling Co-op to accelerate its national convenience strategy. Our consistent and quality driven delivery ensured each new or refurbished store opened on time, fully merchandised and ready for customers, supporting Co-op’s position as a leading community retail brand.