Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or renovated stores within the initial quarter of 2026. The inaugural Co-op outlet of the year will debut in Willowbrook Park, Didcot, located in Oxfordshire’s new neighborhood development.
In addition to the new store openings, certain stores will undergo refurbishments, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated site in Ealing, London. Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, emphasized the brand’s commitment to establishing community-centric stores that offer quality products, value, and a variety of deals to cater to the local needs effectively.
The initiative aligns with Co-op’s strategy to broaden its footprint across various UK high streets and communities. This expansion follows the recent announcement by Co-op to introduce thousands of new apprenticeships over the coming years, with a £70 million investment earmarked for creating 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030 through its Levy Share program.
Since its inception four years ago, the initiative has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on supporting disadvantaged communities and the care sector. Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, highlighted the program’s impact in transforming unused levy funds into valuable opportunities for apprentices.
Co-op also emphasized the importance of collecting socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and address potential disparities within the system.