A significant milestone has been reached as the first store on the UK Defence estate has opened, marking an expansion phase of a major retailer’s franchise business at HMS Collingwood.
The newly inaugurated store represents a collaboration between the convenience retailer, a specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments, ESS Defence, the Royal Navy, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). This partnership aims to offer a specialised retail experience tailored to the needs of military personnel, civil servants, and contractors stationed at the site.
Operating as a franchise, the store provides an array of hot and cold food-to-go options. It also features a selection of fresh grocery lines, aiming to meet the everyday needs of its customers. For added convenience, the store is equipped with two self-serve Costa coffee machines, presenting customers with quick and easy access to hot beverages.
A notable feature of the store is its bakery range and non-food items, including essential household goods. This wide-ranging product selection has been adapted specifically to resonate with the diverse population at HMS Collingwood. Customers can also take advantage of a variety of branded products, as well as those from the retailer’s own line, including promotional deals and meal offers.
In addition to the comprehensive product range, the store boasts six self-service checkouts designed to enhance the shopping experience by reducing queue times and ensuring a swift service. External digital media installations further complement the store’s modern approach, offering a cutting-edge retail experience to its patrons.
Martin Rogers, Director of Partnership Development, expressed pride in launching a store dedicated to the HMS Collingwood community, emphasising the retailer’s commitment to leveraging its convenience expertise and brand ethos as part of its strategic growth plan. Similarly, Bob Gray, Managing Director of ESS Defence, Marine and Aerospace, highlighted the store as an exemplar of retail innovation, aligning with high street experiences while partnering with reputable brands.
The opening of this store on the UK Defence estate not only signifies the retailer’s strategic expansion but also promises a tailored shopping experience for military personnel and associated staff, potentially setting a precedent for further developments in similar sectors.
