Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) is working with the Co-op Group to open its first franchise store in the North East.
The 2,500 sq. ft. store, which is managed and run by the Students’ Union, will be extended and transformed in time for Freshers’ Week this September.
The revamped store will offer Co-op’s full range of fresh, healthy foods, extended vegan and free-from offerings and a wide range of Fairtrade products.
NUSU director of commercial Graham Hattam said: “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.”
The new-look store will also include a free refill tap for water and compostable carrier bags.
Martin Rogers, Co-op Group 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.”
Campus stores at Leeds University and Kent University also recently switched to the Co-op franchise model.
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