Co-op will be opening 18 new or renovated stores within the first quarter of 2026. The inaugural Co-op store launch for 2026 is set for Willowbrook Park, Didcot in Oxfordshire, a new local development.
Additionally, several stores will undergo refurbishments, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise site in Ealing, London. Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating community-focused stores that cater to local needs beyond just being retail outlets.
McCrae highlighted the stores’ emphasis on quality products, value, and a variety of promotions to meet customer demands. She expressed excitement for the opening of the first store in Oxfordshire and the company’s mission to expand its presence across the UK in 2026.
In a related initiative, Co-op unveiled plans to establish thousands of new apprenticeships in the coming years. The company allocated £70 million through its Levy Share program to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030. The scheme allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations.
Since its inception four years ago, the program has matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on aiding deprived communities and the care sector. Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, lauded the success of the Co-op Levy Share program, which has already allocated £40 million towards transformative apprenticeships.
Costello announced the company’s increased commitment of £70 million to develop 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030. Co-op stressed the importance of collecting socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent certain groups from being left behind.