The Co-operative has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly strengthen its presence on British high streets, with a major announcement of 18 new or upgraded supermarkets set to open across the UK in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion represents a substantial investment in local communities, aiming to create convenient shopping destinations that serve as vital hubs for neighbourhood life.
Strategic Growth and Community Focus
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, emphasised the retailer's commitment to developing stores that transcend traditional shopping experiences. "We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are community hubs that contribute significantly to local life and conveniently meet the needs of residents," she stated. The strategy involves enhancing the Co-op's footprint in various regions while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality products and value for both members and customers.
McCrae further highlighted the company's dedication to offering competitive pricing, noting: "Our stores maintain a focus on quality products and excellent value, featuring a comprehensive range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers most frequently purchase." The expansion programme begins with the opening of the first new store of 2026 in Oxfordshire, marking the start of an active period of store development designed to increase and enhance the Co-op's nationwide presence.
Investment in Apprenticeships and Workforce Development
Alongside the physical expansion, the Co-op has reaffirmed its commitment to workforce development through substantial investment in apprenticeship schemes. Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, detailed the company's Levy Share initiative, which redirects unused apprenticeship levy funds towards creating valuable opportunities. "We launched Co-op Levy Share to unlock unused levy funds and transform potential waste into genuine opportunity," Costello explained.
She revealed impressive progress: "Four years into the programme, alongside our contributing partners, we have already channelled £40 million into thousands of life-changing apprenticeships." Looking forward, the company has set ambitious new targets: "Today we are going further, committing £70 million to create 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030." This dual approach of physical expansion and workforce investment demonstrates the Co-op's holistic approach to business growth and community contribution.
Comprehensive Store Locations
The expansion will see new or upgraded Co-op supermarkets opening in diverse locations across the United Kingdom, including:
- Ealing, London
- Didcot, Kilburn Place, Oxfordshire
- Eastern Green, Coventry, West Midlands
- Cove, Fernhill Road, Hampshire
- Totton, Southampton, Hampshire
- Deal, Kent
- Killearn, Main Street, Stirling, Scotland
- Farnsfield, Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire
- Sidmouth, Devon
- Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol
- Saltdean, Lustrells Vale, Brighton, East Sussex
- Westgate, Skelmersdale, Lancashire
- Marske, High Street, North Yorkshire
- Worle, High Street, Somerset
- Tarbert, Argyll, Scotland
- Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
- Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire
- Cuckfield, Whitemans Green, West Sussex
This geographical spread ensures that communities across England, Scotland, and Wales will benefit from enhanced shopping facilities and increased employment opportunities. The Co-op operates in a competitive UK grocery market, facing rivalry from discount retailers like Lidl and Aldi, frozen food specialist Iceland, and major supermarket chains including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Farmfoods, and Sainsbury's. This expansion represents a strategic move to strengthen its market position while delivering tangible benefits to local communities throughout the country.
