The Co-op Media Network (CMN) has today announced that it is to install 300 new front-of-store digital media screens to turbo-charge its retail media offering, taking the total number of screens to over 9,000 across its store estate.
In partnership with SMG – the UK’s leading independent retail media operator – the move will expand CMN’s digital capabilities and enable FMCG brands to deepen their engagement across Co-op’s frequently shopped convenience stores, which see over 16 million transactions each week.
The rollout – in collaboration with installation partners, Commercial, and software partners, Grassfish – will see digital screens introduced to 300 of Co-op’s highest footfall, urban locations, including Greater London (12%), Greater Manchester (5%) and North Yorkshire (2.5%), with 24 stores planned to go live each week until January 2025.
These new front-of-store media touch points will take the total number of digital screens across Co-op’s 2,400 stores to over 9,300 – including its current kiosk and customer facing screens at manned tills – providing multiple opportunities for brands to work with CMN on their in-store campaigns, focusing on key missions such as food-to-go, food-for-later and treat occasions.
Matt Hood, Managing Director of Co-op Food, said: “We’re the experts in convenience, and given our unparalleled shopper footfall, we want brands that invest with us to realise that retail media spend in Co-op stores can yield significant results that can importantly be measured, with a consistent return on investment across the board.”
The screens will be placed either at the entrance to the store, in the store foyer, or an outward-facing window close to the entrance. Situated in busy urban areas and embedded into local communities, these screens will be visible not only to store visitors but also to the significant number of passers-by, offering added value and exposure for advertisers. This ensures a high level of reach, influencing purchasing decisions at the start of the shopper journey, whilst also building brand awareness among passers-by who do not enter the store.
Hood continues: “The digital screen roll out has been designed to utilise Co-op’s superpower as a media owner, with a store in every postal code area we’re primed to deliver on reach and our high frequency of shoppers ensures that brands gain maximum visibility. Our investment into digital screens solidifies Co-op Media Network’s position as the UK’s largest and leading media owner in the convenience sector.”
Lee LeFeuvre, Chief Commercial Officer, at SMG said: “With more than 90% of grocery purchases still happening in-store, we are seeing a huge wave of in-store media digitisation which we are proud to say that Co-op are at the forefront of in the convenience sector. For brands, Co-op’s investment in digital screens is significant as it offers them the opportunity to connect with Co-op customers at the point of purchase through dynamic, personalised and creative content”.
Simone Hindmarch, Co-founder and Managing Director of Commercial said: “One of our mantras as a company is to help the best businesses to become better, and this partnership with the Co-op Media Network is the embodiment of that. The retail world is evolving at a rapid pace, and we are proud to be working alongside one of the leading names in the retail sector to provide a rich and interactive digital environment, which increases footfall, increases revenue and enhances customer loyalty.”
