Customers of Thame Co-op will be the first to see the movement's new look -- and their opinion of it will help decide what happens to Co-op shops nationwide.

All the different Co-op strands are being brought together under one logo and brand with a new coordinated fascia design.

The idea is being developed by a panel of co-operative societies nationwide, including the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op which owns the Thame shops.

Three other stores are being the testbeds for the new design -- Hull, Northampton and Kidderminster.

The new look will be unveiled on September 12 and after that customer reaction and trading in the stores will be closely monitored with the whole project being reviewed early next year.

Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op's chief executive Bob Burlton said: "The aim is to bring our family of businesses under a common, clearly identifiable heading.

"People in Thame have an important part to play because their reaction to what we are doing will help us shape our trading identity.

"Thame is a great place to start the ball rolling -- we have a large number of loyal customers and strong links with them through our work within the community."