Co-op backs high streets and communities with 24 new stores and refurbishments launching this quarter

Co-op to boost high streets and local communities across Britain with 24 new stores and refurbishments launching in this Quarter (to end of June). 

The investment will take the total number of stores launching in the first half of this year to more than 40, stretching from the south coast of England to Scottish Highlands, including towns, villages and cities in: Cumbria; Gloucestershire; Kent; London, the Midlands; Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

Co-op is committed to backing Britain’s high streets and communities, and the stores are a combination of new stores, those re-opening their doors to the community following transformative investment and, franchise stores.

Co-op’s focus is on providing the best small shops locally, acting as a community hub and destination locally. Offering great quality, choice and value for customers in every UK postal area alongside a range of added services including coffee; payment services, parcel collection and quick commerce – the rapid home delivery of online orders.

Franchise stores bring the benefits of membership to new and diverse communities. With 65 franchise stores operating at the end of 2025, Co-op aims to grow to over 100 franchise sites during 2026, with new locations including university campus growth – serving dynamic and diverse campus communities; hospitals and, petrol forecourts – where Co-op combines its convenience expertise with leading forecourt operators.

Co-op stores also act as micro distribution hubs locally for its award-winning quick commerce operation. Around 90% of the UK population now has access to Co-op groceries online, through Co-op’s own online shop (shop.coop.co.uk) and strategic partners including Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Orders are picked fresh in the local store, ensuring the high street store benefits from the online operation, and are delivered quickly and conveniently in the community.

Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We’re investing to create local stores which are more than just a shop, they are a convenient hub contributing to local life and meeting the needs of communities. Whether it’s quality food for an evening at home, food and drink on the go, a top-up shop or, our wide range of added services – we’re here to serve and support communities, conveniently. Local shops are an anchor at the heart of local communities, and we’re moving through 2026 with a strong focus on our members, customers and communities, and a programme designed to enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities across the UK.”

There are offers, promotions and deals throughout Co-op stores for all. Member price savings create additional value for Co-op members who can save more with lower prices on the products shoppers buy most.

Soft plastic recycling is also available in stores, making it easier for shoppers to return and recycle materials in their communities which are often not universally accepted via household kerbside collections, such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches. 

Co-op is committed to backing Britain’s agriculture, with all of its own fresh and frozen meat – including in its pies, ready meals and sandwiches – 100% British.

One of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, Co-op’s history dates back more than 180 years.

Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, its more than 7 million members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation. 

For more information about the benefits of Co-op Membership visit www.coop.co.uk/membership.