Co-op Expand Their ‘Meal Solutions’ Project

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer cooperatives, owned by millions of members. As the UK’s fifth-largest food retailer, the Co-op operates over 2,500 stores, employing nearly 70,000 people. Renowned for its commitment to social goals and community-led initiatives, the Co-op is a leader in meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

To better support convenience shopping and help customers save time, the Co-op continually innovates its store offerings. One of its recent initiatives is the ‘Meal Solutions’ project. This initiative focuses on providing a simpler, more intuitive store layout featuring prepared and semi-prepared meal solutions, complemented by thoughtfully grouped fresh fruit and vegetable products.

The Co-op enlisted RAS, as their service provider to execute this transformative project across its stores.

Pre-Commencement Preparation

The success of the project was ensured through detailed planning and preparation, including:

  • Assignment of a dedicated Project Manager to oversee delivery.
  • Review and phasing of works using before-and-after CAD plans.
  • Creation of a store-specific merchandising schedule and resource allocation.
  • Distribution of team familiarisation toolkits and initiation of e-learning for RAS teams.
  • Communication with each store to prepare for job commencement.
  • Deployment of cloud-based reporting tools for real-time progress tracking.

Co-op Meal Solutions shelf

Co-op Meal Solutions Refrigerator

In-Store Execution

Each store implementation followed a structured process:

  • The RAS Team Leader conducted an initial review of the proposed works with store staff.
  • Merchandising relays were executed to optimise layout and flow.
  • Shelf profiles were updated to align with new plans.
  • Shelf-edge labels were set in new locations.
  • POS (Point of Sale) materials were built and installed.
  • A delivery status report was completed before moving to the next phase.

 

Progress Tracking and Reporting

After each shift, the RAS Project Manager compiled a detailed delivery status report. This allowed the Co-op to monitor progress across stores and address any additional requirements for stock, fixtures, or POS materials.

Project Completion and KPI Benchmarking

Each store’s changes were signed off by the Co-op representative and the RAS Team Leader, with all data consolidated into a master report. This report benchmarked performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

The Results

RAS provided a total service solution that seamlessly combined all aspects of the project. By delivering a well-executed, scalable implementation, RAS helped the Co-op expand its ‘Meal Solutions’ initiative, ensuring the project met its objectives of enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.

Over the course of the rollout, RAS demonstrated its ability to manage complex, large-scale projects efficiently. By aligning its expertise with the Co-op’s goals, RAS helped deliver a seamless transformation that met customer expectations and enhanced store performance.

“Working with Co-op on their trial projects is a very rewarding experience.
You get the opportunity to be involved from the project inception and
planning right through to coordinating the delivery and finally seeing
the end results which are superb and give the stores a fresh new look.”

Lee Singers
National Business Development Manager, RAS Store Support