Supermarket chain Co-op has announced that it opened a record 11 stores in one week, as part of a huge investment programme. They’re a mix of new stores, and stores reopening following transformative investment in British high streets.
A total of 50 stores are expected to open by the end of the month, with some having opened in November. The convenience retailer continues its call on the Government to deliver business rates reform to secure the future of small shops and community retail. Co-op said that long-term investment confidence across the sector now depends on the Government delivering the fair business rates reform that has long been promised. It adds that giving thousands of small and independent retailers the certainty they need will allow them to plan, invest and protect local jobs.
The move is part of the retailer’s investment in more than 200 new and transformed stores over 2024/25, and among the 50 stores Co-op has confirmed will open this November and December, in time for Christmas.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and meet the needs of communities, conveniently.
“We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street – creating local jobs and backing British farmers and suppliers.
“However, sustained growth needs certainty, and the Government now has an opportunity at this week’s Budget to deliver the fair business rate reform needed to give retailers the stability to invest and grow.”
Among the stores opening include Co-op becoming the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development – a new park town for London where retail is a strategic component as part of a vibrant new high street and central hub serving homes, offices, education, sport and leisure facilities.
Co-op’s latest Franchise store opening in Frampton Cotterell (Bristol) and, new-look stores re-opening following significant investment from Somerset to Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Last week Co-op stores opened in Blaenavon; Oxenhope (near Keighley, Yorkshire) and Penkhull (Staffordshire).
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with a history dating back more than 180 years. Owned by more than 7 million members, Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities.
• Frampton Cotterell, Bristol
• Brent Cross Town, London
• Church Street, Inverness
• Bassett Green Road, Southampton
• Church Street, Gamlingay, Bedfordshire
• Mansfield Road, Clipstone, Nottinghamshire
• Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London
• Brora, Scottish Highlands
• Wordsworth Avenue, Stratford-Upon-Avon
• Main Street, Swallownest, Sheffield
• Stiby Road, Yeovil
