Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the initial quarter of 2026.
The inaugural Co-op store of the year 2026 is set to open in the upcoming Willowbrook Park neighborhood in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Among the upcoming openings, some stores will undergo renovations, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated location in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products, value, and a variety of promotions tailored to meet shoppers’ needs.
Expressing enthusiasm for the Oxfordshire launch, McCrae highlighted the company’s strategic plan to expand its presence across various UK neighborhoods and high streets throughout the year.
In a bid to create new opportunities, Co-op recently disclosed intentions to introduce thousands of apprenticeships over the coming years. Through its Levy Share program, the company has pledged £70 million to generate 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030, facilitating the transfer of unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations.
Since its inception four years ago, the initiative has matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a significant portion allocated to disadvantaged communities and the care sector.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, highlighted the transformative impact of the Co-op Levy Share program, emphasizing the commitment to allocate £70 million for apprenticeship creation by the end of the decade.
Co-op also urged the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent certain groups from being left behind.