From Sussex to Stirling, Co-op confirms 18 stores to open in the first quarter of 2026 with new stores and, those re-opening following transformative investment to enhance the shopping experience in high streets and communities.
Co-op’s ongoing commitment to backing British High Streets continues with the first new Co-op store of 2026 opening to serve the new neighbourhood development of Willowbrook Park, Didcot (Oxfordshire).
The first of the stores to re-open following a major makeover include a convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry and, a Franchise operated site in Ealing, London.
Co-op is focussed on creating stores which act as a hub locally, offering great quality and value alongside added services. Stores offer coffee, bakery; Fairtrade products; fresh and healthy produce and added services include payment services; parcel collection and returns and, the online home delivery of groceries – with orders picked fresh in the local store for quick and convenient delivery in the community, ensuring the high street store benefits from online orders. Around 86% 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.
Kate McCrae, Co-op uperations director, said: “We’re focussed on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities. Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy. I’m delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities all across the UK.”
There are offers and promotions throughout Co-op stores for all, and member price savings create additional value for Co-op members who can save more with lower prices on the products shoppers buy most.
January has also seen Co-op unveil its new Served ‘Taste of Asia’ range with a main course and two sides for two and, in a UK convenience retailer first, launch new own-brand GLP-1 friendly meals as part of its new “Good Fuel” health range offer. The convenience retailer has a commitment to backing British agriculture, with all of its fresh and frozen meat 100% British – including in its pies, ready meals and sandwiches.
Soft plastic recycling is also available in stores, making it easier for shoppers to return harder to recycle materials in their communities, such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, its 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.
