Heart of England Co-op launches foodservice-led store in Warwick

Heart of England Co-op has launched a new 2,200 sq ft concept store in Warwick, signaling a strategic shift from traditional convenience retail toward a foodservice-led hybrid model. The company aims to replace declining tobacco and alcohol sales with high-margin, food-to-go offerings.

The new location features a hot counter and made-to-order products under the company’s own-label DeliCo brand, including cooked-to-order pizzas, a salad bar, and various toasted sandwiches. Additionally, the site includes a 1,200 sq ft Bewiched Coffee Shop operated under a franchise agreement.

CEO Steve Browne noted that the move represents an evolution to protect the business long-term as the lines between traditional retail and hospitality continue to blur. This 40th site is expected to create 45 jobs. The company’s recent annual results showed a turnover of £97m and a significant reduction in pre-tax losses compared to the previous year.