Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the first quarter of 2026.
The initial addition to the Co-op store lineup for 2026 will be situated in the fresh residential area of Willowbrook Park in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
In addition to the new openings, certain stores will undergo renovations, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated location in Ealing, London.
Kate McCrae, Director of Operations at Co-op, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and competitive deals to meet the needs of residents.
Expressing excitement about the inaugural 2026 store launch in Oxfordshire, McCrae highlighted the ongoing expansion efforts to bolster Co-op’s presence across various UK high streets and neighborhoods.
Co-op recently announced its initiative to generate thousands of new apprenticeships over the coming years, detailing a £70 million investment through its Levy Share program to develop 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030.
The program permits levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community groups. Since its inception four years ago, over 3,800 apprenticeships have been matched, with a significant portion allocated to deprived communities and the care sector.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer, emphasized the transformative impact of the Co-op Levy Share program in creating opportunities from untapped levy funds.
Costello announced the commitment of an additional £70 million to facilitate 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030, while also advocating for the collection of socioeconomic data on apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity.
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