Co-op reveals a record number of store openings in one week, with 11 stores set to open this week in communities across the country. The investment in British high streets comes as the convenience retailer continues it call on Government to deliver business-rates reform to secure the future of small shops and community retail.
Co-op said that long-term investment confidence across the sector now depends on Government delivering the fair business-rates reform that has long been promised – giving thousands of small and independent retailers the certainty they need to plan, invest and protect local jobs.
The move is part of the retailer’s investment in more than 200 new and transformed stores over 2024/25, and among the 50 stores Co-op has confirmed will open this November and December, in time for Christmas.
Co-op is focussed on serving communities conveniently, growing its convenience estate and investing in its existing portfolio of stores to transform the shopping experience locally. The stores opening are a mix of new stores, franchise operated stores and, those that are re-opening following transformative investment.
Among the stores opening include Co-op becoming the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development – a new park town for London where retail is a strategic component as part of a vibrant new high street and central hub serving homes, offices, education, sport and leisure facilities. Co-op’s latest Franchise store opening in Frampton Cotterell (Bristol) and, new-look stores re-opening following significant investment from Somerset to Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Last week Co-op stores opened in Blaenavon, Oxenhope (near Keighley, Yorkshire) and Penkhull (Staffordshire).
Co-op stores have a focus on being a community hub. Alongside great quality and value, Co-op stores typically offer a range of parcel collection services, access to cash through free ATM’s; and online home delivery of groceries through Co-op’s leading quick commerce operation – with online grocery orders picked fresh in the local store and delivered quickly and conveniently locally, in as little as 60 minutes or less.
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.
Whilst soft plastic recycling is also available in store, 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.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focussed on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and meet the needs of communities, conveniently. We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street – creating local jobs and backing British farmers and suppliers. However, sustained growth needs certainty, and the Government now has an opportunity at this week’s Budget to deliver the fair business rate reform needed to give retailer’s the stability to invest and grow.”
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with a history dating back more than 180 years. Owned by more than 7 million members, Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities.
