Co-op has revealed plans to open 18 new or renovated stores in the initial quarter of 2026. The first fresh Co-op outlet of the year will be located in the upcoming Willowbrook Park neighborhood in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
In addition to the new store, several existing locations are set to reopen after undergoing refurbishments, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-managed site in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, the Operations Director at Co-op, emphasized the brand’s dedication to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products, value, and a variety of promotions to cater to the needs of members and customers.
The company’s proactive store opening strategy aims to strengthen Co-op’s presence in various UK high streets and communities throughout the year. This initiative follows Co-op’s recent announcement regarding the creation of thousands of new apprenticeships in the upcoming years.
Through its Levy Share program, Co-op has committed £70 million to generate 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030, allowing levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations.
Since its launch four years ago, the scheme has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a significant portion allocated to deprived 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.
Co-op also urged for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent certain groups from being overlooked within the system.