Students split over new campus Co-op as sweet treats rise in price, but essentials fall

Only 21% of Warwick students feel the shopping experience at campus’ new Co-op is cheaper than Rootes Grocery Store, as some sweet treats see prices hiked by a third. 

Of 332 students surveyed in a Boar poll, a further half (48%) described the prices as ‘about the same’, while 31% felt it had become more expensive.  

Rootes Grocery Store, previously run directly by the University, closed in the summer following years of complaints over inflated pricing that exploited limited competition on campus. 

It has since been replaced by a Co-op franchise, still operated by the University but under the national retailer’s brand and ethical standards. The outlet is now the company’s largest campus store in the UK.  

Perhaps the most promising change for students has been the reduction in the price of a basic meal deal on campus. Down from £4.49, a main, snack, and drink can now be purchased for just £4 for participants in the chain’s £1 membership scheme

For some students, however, the shift hasn’t lived up to expectations, with almost four-fifths of respondents indicating the new Co-op has not made shopping on campus noticeably cheaper. 

Perhaps the most promising change for students has been the reduction in the price of a basic meal deal on campus. Down from £4.49, a main, snack, and drink can now be purchased for just £4 for participants in the chain’s £1 membership scheme.   

Non-members can still make savings in comparison to Co-op’s predecessor, paying £4.35 for the deal. This does, however, remain above the £3.75 member price that the chain advertises nationally, with non-members only being charged £4.10 elsewhere. 

Hannah, a second-year English Literature student, was one student pleased with the change, telling The Boar: “Anyone who prefers Rootes has a serious case of nostalgia bias.”  

Others, however, were less forgiving. Lily, a third year, asserted that she “loathe[d]” the store “entirely” while Edie, also in her final year, described its “vibes [as] diabolical”. 

Not only have late-night sweet treats become a more expensive endeavour on campus than before the summer, their prices are higher than at other Co-op stores nationally

A comparison of like-for-like items between the two shops suggests a mixed picture, reflecting such student opinion.  

Some items have seen little change: two pints of semi-skimmed milk remain at £1.40, curly fries have stayed at £1.99, and a Margherita oven pizza still costs £4.20. 

Other products have crept up in price: a Lipton iced tea now costs £1.95 (up from £1.89), a Cadbury Wispa has risen over 30% from 99p to £1.30, and Special K breakast cereal is now priced at £4.20 (previously £3.29). A pack of McVitie’s Rich Tea biscuits has also increased in price to £2.25, while a can of Red Bull is £2 – 35p more expensive than before the summer vacation. 

Not only have these late-night sweet treats become a more expensive endeavour on campus than before the summer, their prices are higher than at other Co-op stores nationally. Elsewhere, Rich Teas will set you back only £1.70, while a single Wispa comes in 10p cheaper at £1.20.  

Despite this, other essentials have indeed fallen in price. Grapes are marginally cheaper at £2.45 versus £2.59, and six large free-range eggs have dropped slightly from £2.19 to £2.05 (£1.80 with a Co-op membership).  

Other goods now cheaper for students include chicken breast, houmous, bakery items, and, to the relief of many, the opening of the new Co-op has seen a £1-plus drop in the price of olive oil. 

When the University explored a franchise model, we hoped it would bring more competitive pricing, and I believe that has been the case for many essential items

Alijah Taha, SU President

Student grievances over pricing at Rootes Grocery emerged as a hot topic in last March’s Spring Elections, with both the victorious candidates for President and VP Welfare & Campaigns pledging to replace the store. 

Now, Students’ Union (SU) President, Alijah Taha, told The Boar: “As officers, we have long been lobbying for a change to Rootes Grocery Store because of consistently high prices and the lack of competition it represented. When the University explored a franchise model, we hoped it would bring more competitive pricing, and I believe that has been the case for many essential items.” 

Taha added that, while the SU is not involved in pricing decisions, the University’s Campus & Commercial Services Group and the Co-op franchise team had both been “very open and receptive to student feedback.” 

“We’ll continue to raise students’ concerns and expectations to ensure their voices are heard in those spaces. That said, the transition away from the old Rootes Grocery Store has been a very positive step, one that came after years of having a strong desire for change.” 

Co-op’s membership discounts do seem to make a notable difference. For instance, 580g of chicken breast fillets costs £5 for non-members, but only £4.55 for members. The price of two pints of milk sees a similar reductionin price for members – to £1.30. 

In June, [Co-op] stopped sourcing goods from 17 countries where it said there were ‘internationally recognised’ human rights abuses, including Iran and Israel

While some prices have risen since the opening of the Co-op on campus, it should also be noted that food prices have increased nationally over the last year too, thanks to an inflation rate of 3.8%. That rate was, however, at its lowest for 16 months in September.  

Aside from prices, a move that has been welcomed by some is Co-op’s ethical credentials. A long-time partner of the Fairtrade movement, the chain has been commended for its commitments to sustainability and transparency. In June, the chain stopped sourcing goods from 17 countries where it said there were “internationally recognised” human rights abuses, including Iran and Israel.  

The move coincides with growing student scrutiny over ethical procurement policies at Warwick, where student protest and several SU motions have supported divestment from Israel. 

In response to a request for comment, a University spokesperson said: “The University was pleased to welcome Co-op to campus earlier this term.  This is the largest Co-op franchise store to date and offers a significantly wider choice of groceries, world foods, and fresh produce than the previous store. 

We’ll continue to work closely with Co-op to monitor prices and ensure the store meets the needs and expectations of our campus community

University statement

“Co-op’s commitments to sustainability, Fairtrade sourcing, inclusivity, and food quality align closely with Warwick’s own values and priorities. The extended range of international products also helps us better serve the needs of our diverse student community. 

“While prices may vary across individual items, students have the option to be part of Co-op’s membership scheme which provides regular discounts and can help to make a real difference to the weekly spend of shoppers. We’ll continue to work closely with Co-op to monitor prices and ensure the store meets the needs and expectations of our campus community.” 

For now, the new Co-op appears to have replaced Rootes’ reputation for high prices with one of mixed feelings.