Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the initial quarter of 2026.
The inaugural Co-op store of 2026 is set to debut in the fresh residential area of Willowbrook Park in Didcot, located in Oxfordshire. In addition to this, several stores are scheduled for reopening after undergoing refurbishments, notably the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated establishment in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, the Director of Operations at Co-op, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and value to members and customers through attractive deals and promotions. McCrae expressed delight at the opening of the first store of the year in Oxfordshire, marking the beginning of an active store expansion strategy to bolster Co-op’s presence nationwide.
This announcement follows Co-op’s initiative to generate numerous apprenticeship opportunities in the coming years. The retail giant disclosed a £70 million investment through its Levy Share service to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030. This program allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations.
Since its inception four years ago, the scheme has facilitated 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 success of the Co-op Levy Share in utilizing untapped levy funds to provide transformative apprenticeships, with a commitment to furthering this impact by allocating £70 million towards 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030.
Co-op also advocated for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent any groups from being marginalized within the system.