Old idea gets a new image

OXFORD, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op staff took a step back in time to help launch the society&#039s new high tech superdividend initiative.

A Victorian market stall outside the Highworth store near Swindon helped emphasise the message that the Co-op &#039divi&#039 may be an old idea, but it is just as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 19th.

Gemma Willis, pictured in her modern store uniform provided a sharp contrast to &#039Victorian&#039 Valerie Dennis.

OSG&#039s new superdividend card, which is available to all society members, gives a reward on all business purchases and gives members more incentive to get involved with the day to day running of their co-op.

Initially, dividend will be returned in the form of vouchers posted to members twice a year. The vouchers can then be spent at any OS&G
Co-op business. Members also have the option of donating their dividend to charity, or paying it into their share account.

OSG Chief Executive Bob Burlton commented: `This is another first for OSG Co-op. We have rethought and significantly extended the traditional co-operative dividend to bring it into the 21st century.

`The installation of the new superdividend has required a significant financial investment. However, we believe it will enable us to recruit many new members; increase their loyalty to the society promote trading across all our businesses and increase the society&#039s sales and profits.`