Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or upgraded stores within the initial quarter of 2026.
The inaugural Co-op store of the year 2026 is set to open in the fresh neighborhood expansion of Willowbrook Park, situated in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Among the upcoming developments, several stores are scheduled to reopen post a revamp, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated location in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, the Operations Director at Co-op, emphasized the brand’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products, value, and a variety of deals that cater to the preferences of members and customers.
Expressing enthusiasm for the first store opening in Oxfordshire, McCrae highlighted the strategic store expansion plan aimed at bolstering Co-op’s presence in various UK high streets and communities.
This initiative follows the recent announcement by Co-op to introduce numerous new apprenticeships over the next few years. The company disclosed a £70 million investment via its Levy Share program to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030.
The scheme allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations. Since its inception four years ago, the program has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a significant focus on deprived communities and the care sector.
Claire Costello, the chief people and inclusion officer at Co-op, underscored the initiative’s impact in transforming unused levy funds into valuable apprenticeship opportunities, with a commitment to further invest £70 million to create additional apprenticeships by 2030.
Co-op advocates for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent any groups from being marginalized within the system.