Co-operative Group invests £750,000 in Dundee stores

The Co-operative Group is investing £750,000 to convert its Dundee stores, with Brook Street’s Somerfield, which opens today, the latest to be converted.

The conversion, which is costing £250,000 and will secure the store’s 30 jobs, follows the Co-operative Group’s £1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield chain last year.

The Somerfield on Albert Street was also recently converted for £250,000, securing its 37 jobs.

A spokeswoman said the Barnhill Somerfield would also be given a £250,000 makeover, securing 28 jobs.

All Somerfield branches will convert to Co-ops by 2011 and highlight its commitment to communities and ethical trading, as well as improved service across its 5000 UK outlets.

The Co-operative has introduced price reductions and its share-of-profits dividend scheme, which offers member customers cash back twice a year on their trade with Co-operative Group businesses reminiscent of the old Co-op dividend scheme.

As well as its new look and more spacious layout, the Brook Street store will feature new product ranges and an emphasis on fresh foods.

The Somerfield store in Brechin was also recently converted into a Co-op.