Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or renovated stores within the first quarter of 2026. The initial addition to the Co-op supermarket chain for the year will be situated in the emerging Willowbrook Park community in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
In addition to the new store openings, several existing Co-op locations are set to reopen after undergoing refurbishments. Notably, the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated site in Ealing, London, are part of the upgrade initiative.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and value to members and customers. McCrae expressed delight in inaugurating the first store of 2026 in Oxfordshire, marking the beginning of an extensive store expansion strategy across the UK.
In a separate announcement, Co-op disclosed a substantial investment of £70 million through its Levy Share program to generate 7,000 new apprenticeships by 2030. This initiative allows levy-paying employers to transfer surplus apprenticeship levy funds to support apprenticeships in various sectors.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, highlighted the success of the Co-op Levy Share program in creating over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on disadvantaged communities and the care sector. Costello reiterated the company’s dedication to fostering opportunities through apprenticeships and emphasized the importance of collecting data on apprentices’ socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure inclusivity.
As part of its ongoing initiatives, Co-op advocates for the collection of socioeconomic data for apprenticeships to address potential disparities within the system and ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals.
