The Co-op is set to serve-up its newest food store in Ross-on-Wye this week (Thursday, August 9th) following a near £500,000 investment creating 12 jobs.

Members of the community can pop along to the store between 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, August 8th, for an advance preview of the store, to meet the store team and find out more about the benefits of Co-op Membership.

The new food store – located in Over Ross Street – will include an in-store bakery, hot food, and a Costa coffee dispenser, alongside its focus on fresh, healthy foods, food-to-go, meal ideas, award winning wines and, essentials.

A funding boost for local causes will also be delivered by the Co-op - Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to causes in and around the area.

Jason Edwards, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to serve the community, and excited to be welcoming Members and customers into their new Co-op. We are proud to have the chance to become part of the community, and our ambition is to ensure our store is a local hub, a real asset locally.”

Erin O’Mahony, Co-op Area Manager, added: “We are investing in our people, stores, products, prices and communities, and are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Ross on Wye. Our aim is for the store to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together, and offering great quality products, when and where our members and customers need them.

“We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they raise much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

The Co-op – which won the title of Convenience Retailer of the Year at the latest Retail Industry Awards – has this year unveiled a £50M price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.

There will be offers and promotions in and around the new store to mark its launch.

Students and apprentices in Ross-on-Wye holding the NUS extra card also receive a 10% discount off their groceries to support them during their studies.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/