Major supermarket opens store on high street – and it looks just like Greggs | UK | News
A major supermarket has opened a new store up the street and locals say it looks strikingly similar to Greggs. The Co-op has opened a new ‘on-the-go’ cafe-style store on Chelmsford High Street, marking the retailer’s first ‘on-the-go’ format store in Essex.
The compact outlet focuses on hot food, coffee and quick bites, with outdoor seating that draws comparisons to the popular bakery chain. One Chelmsford resident told the Express: “It looks just like Greggs, especially with the outdoor seating it offers in the middle of the high street.”
At just 850 square feet, the store is a departure from the Co-op’s traditional convenience format.
Instead, with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., it’s designed to appeal to busy shoppers looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go.
Inside, customers will find Co-op’s familiar dining offerings, as well as counter hot food service, coffee, pastries, pizza and deli-inspired options.
There is seating inside, with phone charging points, and a small range of daily essentials such as fresh fruit, bread, tea and coffee are also stocked.
Shoppers will be able to pick up products such as Costa Coffee, hot baguettes, buttermilk chicken fillets and protein bowls, as well as new products developed specifically for the format.
These include all-day breakfast bowls, overnight oats, and falafel and hummus bowls, sweet potato bhaji wraps, chicken Caesar wraps, and lunch deli items featuring tomato, mozzarella, and pesto focaccia bagels.
Hot noodles, baked goods and pastries are also offered, while Co-op members can enjoy members-only price discounts, including discounts on dining deals.
The Chelmsford store is the fifth of Co-op’s new concept stores to open across the country, following openings in Kingston upon Thames, Altrincham, Aylesbury and Solihull.
Co-operative District operations manager Giulio Divaira said the team was excited to join Chelmsford’s busy high street.
“Unlike our traditional grocery stores, this new format focuses on serving great quality breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go to people who work, shop or socialize in the area,” he said.
Co-op store optimization director Gary Williams added that the concept was designed to stand out in high footfall locations. “It brings together freshly prepared food, quick service and excellent value in a convenient location as we look for new ways to get closer to our members and customers,” he said.
The store also offers online delivery of hot meals, including the Co-op’s Irresistible Pizzas, available via Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
The Co-op said the new format forms part of its wider commitment to supporting Britain’s high streets. The Chelmsford opening is among 50 new or refurbished stores the retailer plans to open ahead of Christmas.
