Co-op is set to open 18 new or upgraded stores within the first quarter of 2026. The initial store to launch in 2026 will be located in the emerging Willowbrook Park neighborhood in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Among the upcoming openings, Co-op will also unveil revamped locations, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated outlet in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the brand’s commitment to establishing stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and value to both members and customers through various deals and promotions.
Expressing excitement for the expansion in 2026, McCrae highlighted the strategic focus on enhancing Co-op’s presence across UK high streets and neighborhoods.
In other news, Co-op recently revealed plans to introduce thousands of new apprenticeships in the coming years. Through a £70 million investment via its Levy Share service, Co-op aims to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030.
The Levy Share program allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations. To date, the initiative has facilitated over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a significant portion benefiting deprived communities and the care sector.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, highlighted the success of the Co-op Levy Share program in utilizing surplus levy funds to provide valuable apprenticeship opportunities. The commitment to invest £70 million further underscores the dedication to fostering apprenticeships until 2030.
Additionally, Co-op advocated for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and address potential disparities within the system.