Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the first quarter of 2026.
The initial addition to the Co-op supermarket chain in 2026 will be situated in the emerging Willowbrook Park neighborhood in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Furthermore, various stores are set to relaunch after undergoing refurbishments, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated location in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the brand’s dedication to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products, deals, and promotions tailored to meet the needs of customers and members.
Expressing enthusiasm for the expansion, McCrae remarked, “I am pleased to witness the inauguration of our first store in Oxfordshire in 2026 as we kick off an active store opening initiative to enhance Co-op’s presence nationwide.”
In parallel to this retail development, Co-op recently announced a substantial commitment to foster apprenticeships, aiming to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030 through its £70 million Levy Share initiative. This program allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support apprenticeships in various sectors, including the care industry.
Claire Costello, the Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, highlighted the success of the program in providing life-changing opportunities through apprenticeships, calling for the collection of socioeconomic background data to ensure inclusivity within the apprenticeship system.
Co-op’s proactive approach towards community engagement and workforce development underscores its commitment to fostering growth and opportunity across diverse regions in the UK.