The Co-op will open two new stores at James Cook University’s Cairns and Townsville campuses.
The two stores give the Co-op a retail footprint of 57 stores across Australia, positioning it as the country’s largest campus-based retailer.
Both stores will offer textbooks and other educational products for students, along with general fiction and non-fiction titles, and general merchandise including items in the mobile, technology, beauty, sports, fitness, and stationery sectors.
Located in Douglas, about 13km from the CBD, James Cook’s Townsville campus is home to more than 11,000 students from around the world.
The Cairns campus is slightly smaller, with a little over 4000 students studying onsite, and is located near the northern beaches in Smithfield, about 15km north of the city centre.
Peter Knock, CEO at the Co-op, said it brings a successful and sustainable business model to university retail through innovation, economies of scale and a firm commitment to its members.
“The Co-op is a customer focused retailer, one committed to improving the student experience and university life as a whole,” Knock said.
“By expanding our retail network and extending to more campuses, we are able to play an active role in the development and support of even more people across Australia.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding into James Cook University and look forward to forging strong and positive relationships with both its students and staff. As always, all profits made from these stores will be directed back to Co-op members in the form of discounts, scholarships and sponsorships.”
