Making a Difference - Case Studies

The case studies below capture just a few of the stories from people and business that we have helped thrive.

How the Co-op range has helped our retailers thrive

Costcutter Wallasey

Costcutter Wallasey

“You’ve got to stock what will sell,” says Hardeep ‘Hardy’ Chahal, store owner of the Costcutter in Wallasey, Wirral. With a store in a high area of unemployment and cash conscious shoppers, getting his range right is crucial. “That’s why I was really happy Costcutter started supplying Co-op products. It’s really developed my business as the value is good and the brand is known and trusted.”

Costcutter Thatcham and Tilehurst

Costcutter Thatcham and Tilehurst

For Harmeet and Guljeet Bajaj, two brothers with their own Costcutter stores near Reading, Co-op Own Brand products have been key to their success. “We’ve been growing over the past three years and had a refurb of the Tilehurst store in 2018,” says Harmeet. “That attracted a lot of new people, but it was when the Costcutter and Co-op deal happened and we could have the Co-op products in stock that really helped us.”

Costcutter Ashford

Costcutter Ashford

While many companies found the lockdown challenging, for a lot of Costcutter retailers it’s been an opportunity to win over new shoppers. They’ve attracted new shoppers who, by avoiding the larger supermarkets, have discovered the benefits of shopping in smaller stores, that can still cater for a daily shop, especially when they discover the attraction of the Co-op Own Brand range. That’s what has happened at the Gladstone Road Costcutter in Ashford, Kent who saw his sales quadruple to £35k.

People & Businesses Costcutters have helped...

Costcutter Bampton

Costcutters Bampton

“Before the lockdown, I used to do about half a dozen home deliveries on a Friday afternoon for older shoppers who were unable to get out and about,” says David Steele of the Bampton Costcutter in Devon. “Now we’re doing between 100 and 120 a week!” As well as a busy home delivery service, David also offers Call & Collect.

Costcutter Sithians Cornwall

Costcutter Sithians Cornwall

Jason Burley opened his store just four years ago and recently recorded his busiest week ever, with footfall averaging being 250 a day during the week and 350 at the weekend, and an average basket spend of a very healthy £18. Having grown up in the village, Jason always has the interests of the community front of mind and expanded his home deliveries to vulnerable shoppers to c. 25 a week.

Costcutter Kirkheaton

Costcutter Kirkheaton

Whether it’s sponsoring local sports teams or raising money for local charities, Steve and Sonia Singh are all about looking after their shoppers and helping the local community. When the COVID-19 crisis began they were quick to support local NHS workers, leading a collection from amongst the local community that led to a donation of 20 crates filled with toiletries to various wards and units.

Featured Case Study

Lyn & Mike Rowe - Costcutter Wantage

See how Lyn and Mike Rowe modernized their 30 year old Costcutter store to meet the changing needs of their community.

Read The Case Study

The Lifeline for Local Communities during Covid-19

Costcutter Dunnington

Costcutter Dunnington

For the Costcutter in Dunnington, North Yorkshire, the lockdown came at a strange time: just as they started a full store refurbishment. However, their pop-up store kept the community served at a difficult time, and the new store is now meeting the needs of all shoppers. It’s been an opportunity to showcase the refurbished shop and to make a good impression with great customer service.

Costcutter Llansantfraid

Costcutters Llansantfraid and Four Crosses

As the coronavirus crisis began to take hold, Jamie Ashton took rapid steps to protect both shoppers and staff at his two forecourt stores in Powys, mid-Wales. By putting the safety of shoppers and staff first, and with the ability for customers to complete full shop, he has seen many new faces become regular users of his stores.

Costcutter Crawley

Costcutter Crawley Down

From the moment a shopper arrives at the Crawley Down Costcutter and Shell garage, they follow a safety regime that goes above and beyond the Public Health England guidance to minimise the risks a shopper might encounter. As well as happy shoppers, daily sales tripled to £12,000, largely from new customers.