New CO – OP Membership Programme to Benefit Local Organisations

Today (September 21st) Tarvin Co-op took part in the launch of the new membership scheme as part of a plan to take the Co – op Food Business back to its traditional local roots. The Co – op is owned by its members who have a say in the running of the business and the Company is keen to re-establish its brand after a number of difficulties experienced in the last few years within its banking section. If you want to find out more about this new initiative go to www.coop.co.uk and hear the Group Chairman, Allan Leighton, discuss this 're-invention' in greater detail.

What does this mean in local terms?

If you are an existing Co-op member, or choose to join for £1, once you have registered on-line, you will begin to receive a 5% bonus on every Co-op branded product you buy, to either spend at once or save up for later. But you will also receive a 1% bonus which will be donated to a local charity you choose from those that the local branch has agreed to support. In Tarvin these charities are, Tarvin Community Centre, Tarvin Scouts, and St Andrew's Church If you do not nominate a charity your 'bonus' will be distributed equally between them. Other aspects, like getting involved on campaigns and voting in the A.G.M. will also be offered to members, should they want to get more involved.

In the very competitive retail sector the Co – op has established a niche as a supermarket that serves local needs. The new scheme obviously hopes to secure the loyalty of customers and to promote its own products to secure its market share by "Going back to being the Co – op". There is even talk of a version of the "divi" being reintroduced, a concept that will resonate with readers of a certain age! Whatever the commercial impetus behind the scheme, the community aspect is one held dear by the business and by its staff. The local staff in Tarvin were very enthusiastic and are keen to be able to play a part in the community that they serve.
This is an initiative in which all those who participate can be a 'winner'