The Co-op Thread

[all new Phil]

They've updated the voice of the self-service tills in my local Co-op. A shame that they've gone from a friendly sounding voice to somebody sounding like they don't really want to do their job...

I know it’s an accessibility thing and all that probably but I wish we could just have a grown-up self checkout that just beeps when you scan stuff and doesn’t feel the need to talk you through every step. Maybe we need a non-idiot lane for those who just want to scan, pay, and fuck off. Tesco’s are the worst. “We just need to approve this!” - I sodding well know you do.

[bilky asko]

They've updated the voice of the self-service tills in my local Co-op. A shame that they've gone from a friendly sounding voice to somebody sounding like they don't really want to do their job...

I know it’s an accessibility thing and all that probably but I wish we could just have a grown-up self checkout that just beeps when you scan stuff and doesn’t feel the need to talk you through every step. Maybe we need a non-idiot lane for those who just want to scan, pay, and fuck off. Tesco’s are the worst. “We just need to approve this!” - I sodding well know you do.

Just use Scan & Go for that purpose (where available).

[WillPS]

I haven't seen a Co-op branded petrol station before - the canopy looks quite smart.



It was previously a Texaco garage - the shop was already in new-style Co-op branding. (Looking on Street View, it was a Somerfield back in the day).

I think they're doing these when agreements with Texaco/other labels expire. Mapperley in Nottm was done about 4 years ago.

It is a lovely looking canopy and that logo is just so flipping lovely. I note that there are still no societies using it tho.

[Pete]

It is a lovely looking canopy and that logo is just so flipping lovely. I note that there are still no societies using it tho.

it baffles me that anyone continues with the local branding instead of just taking that stunning look.

[WillPS]

It is a lovely looking canopy and that logo is just so flipping lovely. I note that there are still no societies using it tho.

it baffles me that anyone continues with the local branding instead of just taking that stunning look.

I wonder if The Co-op Group want higher payments for its use or something? It certainly kicks the arse of the 'co-operative' 2007 one which many continue to use.

[james2001]

Then you have the Lincolnshire co-op still using the pre-2007 logo.

[BBC TV Centre]

They've updated the voice of the self-service tills in my local Co-op. A shame that they've gone from a friendly sounding voice to somebody sounding like they don't really want to do their job...

I know it’s an accessibility thing and all that probably but I wish we could just have a grown-up self checkout that just beeps when you scan stuff and doesn’t feel the need to talk you through every step. Maybe we need a non-idiot lane for those who just want to scan, pay, and fuck off. Tesco’s are the worst. “We just need to approve this!” - I sodding well know you do.

Just use Scan & Go for that purpose (where available).

Our local coop was on the default "NCR self service checkout" voice for ages, they've only recently changed it to one which sounds like it was text to speech and robotic.

[scottishtv]

Co-op wars!

Scotmid (Scottish Midland Co-operative) has just closed it's store on Raeburn Place in Edinburgh [red map marker below], admitting defeat - after the Co-op (Co-op Group) moved in and opened a plusher new store in late 2020 a mere 3-minute walk down the street [next to the sports ground below].




That said, Scotmid signage is advising it's customers to get their Co-op goodies from their next nearest Scotmid store, a 5-minute walk in the other direction.



They must hope their customers won't get distracted by the Sainsbury's Local they'll have to walk past on the way.

More updates as I receive them...

[WillPS]

Co-op wars!

Scotmid (Scottish Midland Co-operative) has just closed it's store on Raeburn Place in Edinburgh [red map marker below], admitting defeat - after the Co-op (Co-op Group) moved in and opened a plusher new store in late 2020 a mere 3-minute walk down the street [next to the sports ground below].




That said, Scotmid signage is advising it's customers to get their Co-op goodies from their next nearest Scotmid store, a 5-minute walk in the other direction.



They must hope their customers won't get distracted by the Sainsbury's Local they'll have to walk past on the way.

More updates as I receive them...

Similar has happened around here, except the other way around. Central England Co-operative opened a store between two Co-op Group stores and the nearest one (5 min walk) has now been flogged off to a Nisa member:
https://www.gedlingeye.co.uk/news/co-op ... oad-store/

The new Nisa signage prominently features the Co-op logo as if to assure continuity - but just adds to the madness of how many Co-op logos there are and who gets to use which.

[scottishtv]

The new Nisa signage prominently features the Co-op logo as if to assure continuity - but just adds to the madness of how many Co-op logos there are and who gets to use which.

Interesting! I completely missed the Co-op (Group) acquiring Nisa. I'm guessing customers can't use their Co-op Membership Card in a Nisa franchise?

[WillPS]

The new Nisa signage prominently features the Co-op logo as if to assure continuity - but just adds to the madness of how many Co-op logos there are and who gets to use which.

Interesting! I completely missed the Co-op (Group) acquiring Nisa. I'm guessing customers can't use their Co-op Membership Card in a Nisa franchise?

No, but you can use a Co-op membership card in some (but not all) society stores and get a share of their profits.

As a result of the takeover Costcutter also moved from using Nisa's own 'Heritage' label (which they had recently swapped to from P&H's 'Independent' label) to Co-op too. It was a rather rapid improvement in quality.