Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the first quarter of 2026. The initial addition to the roster will be a fresh Co-op outlet situated in the new residential area of Willowbrook Park in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
In addition to the new openings, certain stores will undergo renovations, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-managed location in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the company’s dedication to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and value to members and customers through attractive deals and promotions.
Expressing enthusiasm for the inaugural store of 2026 in Oxfordshire, McCrae highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand Co-op’s presence across the UK by enhancing its footprint in various high streets and neighborhoods.
This development follows Co-op’s recent announcement of creating numerous new apprenticeships in the coming years. Through its Levy Share service, the retail giant has committed £70 million to generate 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030, allowing levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship funds to support apprenticeship programs in businesses, charities, and community organizations.
Since its inception four years ago, the scheme has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on aiding deprived communities and the care sector. Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, highlighted the initiative’s impact in transforming unused funds into valuable opportunities and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating more apprenticeships.
Co-op also advocated for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent certain groups from being left behind in the system.
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