Co-op Expands in UK with New Store Openings
The Co-op is set to enhance its presence in the UK with new store openings and refurbishments. The company plans to open 18 new stores across the country, ranging from Sussex to Stirling, in the upcoming months.
New Store Locations and Openings
The first opening of 2026 will occur in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Additionally, the Co-op will reopen a convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise site in Ealing, London.
Community-Focused Development
- Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, emphasized the importance of local stores.
- She stated that these stores aim to be community hubs, addressing local needs.
- McCrae expressed excitement over the new store’s opening in Oxfordshire.
Commitment to Apprenticeships
In a related initiative, the Co-op plans to create 7,000 new apprenticeships by 2030, as part of a £70 million investment through its Levy Share service. This scheme allows employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to various organizations.
Apprenticeship Impact
- Since its launch, the scheme has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships.
- Two-thirds of these positions are in the most underprivileged communities.
- Approximately one-third are focused on the care sector.
Recovery from Cyber Attack
The new store openings and apprenticeships come as the Co-op continues to recover from a significant cyber-attack. In July, it was revealed that personal information from all 6.5 million Co-op members was compromised. Chief Executive Shirine Khoury-Haq confirmed that hackers accessed names, addresses, and contact information.
Despite this setback, the Co-op remains committed to enhancing its retail footprint and community engagement throughout the UK.
