Welcome – in partnership with Southern Co-op

Overview

Welcome is Southern Co-op’s convenience franchise business. Operating across the south of England with over 60 stores, including a number of forecourts, Welcome stores are run by a formidable mix of franchisees who choose the right approach for them – hands off or a personal touch.

With great contacts at BP, Esso and Texaco, Southern Co-op works very closely with all three fuel brands to ensure a joined up approach for forecourt retailers. Franchisees can access a range of support which Southern Co-op uses for its company owned retail units including marketing, planograms, store development, space and sales analysis as well as a full EPOS and back office system. They also get dedicated support from an operations manager, and access to a support desk from 6am-8pm, seven days a week.

Franchisees can choose to implement recommended store formats based on consumer insights or adapt plans using their own entrepreneurial flair. We also encourage our franchisees to source products from local suppliers. Our franchisees benefit from the co op offer, whilst still having the freedom to change range, and products and price to  reflect their local community requirements.

Southern Co-op is an independent ethical retailer with community values and also believes in ‘quality over quantity’. It is proud to have become one of the first convenience store chains to be accredited as a full member of the British Franchise Association – a body which strives to promote ethical franchising practice across the UK.