The Co-op Media Network to deploy 300 new front of store digital media screens across its estate

The Co-op Media Network (CMN) is set to install 300 new front-of-store digital media screens to boost its retail media offering, taking the total number of screens to over 9,000 across its store estate.

In partnership with SMG, the move will expand CMN’s digital capabilities and enable FMCG brands to deepen their engagement across Co-op’s stores, which see over 16 million transactions each week.

The roll-out – 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.

This 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 at Co-op Food, says: “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.

Hood adds: “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 sasy: “With more than 90% of grocery purchases still happening in-store, we are seeing a huge wave of digitisation across retailer store estates. We're proud to see Co-op are at the forefront of this movement in the convenience sector.”

“For brands, Co-op’s investment in digital screens is significant. It offers the opportunity to connect with Co-op customers throughout the shopper journey, as well as at the point of purchase through dynamic, personalised and creative content that is proven to drive action”. 

Simone Hindmarch, Co-founder and Managing Director of Commercial, says: “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.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.