The Co-operative Group has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy, announcing that 18 new or significantly upgraded stores will open their doors across the United Kingdom during the first quarter of 2026. This substantial investment underscores the retailer's commitment to strengthening its community presence and enhancing convenience for shoppers nationwide.
A Blend of New Openings and Refurbishments
The initiative features a diverse mix of completely new retail sites alongside existing Co-op locations that are receiving comprehensive makeovers. The first new store of 2026 is set to launch in the emerging Willowbrook Park neighbourhood development in Didcot, Oxfordshire, marking a significant addition to the local area.
Several established stores will also reopen following extensive refurbishment programmes. Notable examples include the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated site in Ealing, London. These upgrades are designed to modernise the shopping experience and better serve their respective communities.
Creating Community Hubs
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, emphasised the company's vision for these stores. "We're focussed on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities," she stated.
"Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy. I'm delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op's presence in high streets and communities all across the UK."
Parallel Commitment to Apprenticeships
This retail expansion coincides with a major parallel announcement from the Co-op regarding workforce development. The retail giant has detailed a substantial £70 million commitment through its innovative Levy Share service, aiming to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by the year 2030.
The scheme facilitates levy-paying employers in transferring unused apprenticeship levy funds to businesses, charities, and community organisations that might otherwise lack the resources for such training initiatives. Since its inception four years ago, the programme has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a strong focus on social impact.
Targeting Deprivation and Care Sectors
Remarkably, two-thirds of these apprenticeships have been established in the most deprived communities across the UK, while one-third have been directed towards the vital care sector. Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, highlighted the programme's success and future ambitions.
"We launched Co-op Levy Share to unlock unused levy funds and turn waste into opportunity. Four years on, alongside our contributing partners, we've already channelled £40 million into thousands of life-changing apprenticeships, and today we're going further, committing £70 million to create 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030," she explained.
The Co-op has also issued a call for the systematic collection of socioeconomic background data for apprentices, warning that without such metrics, the apprenticeship system risks inadvertently leaving certain demographic groups behind, undermining its inclusivity goals.
Full List of New or Updated Co-op Stores
The 18 locations benefiting from this expansion wave are spread across England and Scotland, demonstrating a truly national reach:
- 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 dual strategy of physical retail growth coupled with substantial investment in skills development positions the Co-op as a significant player in both the commercial and social landscapes of the UK as it moves forward into 2026 and beyond.
