Co-op has unveiled plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the initial quarter of 2026. The inaugural Co-op store in 2026 is set to open in the fresh neighborhood development of Willowbrook Park in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Several stores, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated site in Ealing, London, will also undergo renovations and reopen. Kate McCrae, Co-op 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.
The announcement follows the Co-op’s initiative to introduce thousands of apprenticeships in the coming years. Through its Levy Share service, the retail giant has dedicated £70 million to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030, enabling levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to various organizations.
Since its inception four years ago, the scheme has matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on aiding deprived communities and the care sector. Claire Costello, chief people and inclusion officer at Co-op, highlighted the success of the Co-op Levy Share program in utilizing unused funds for apprenticeships and announced the commitment to creating more opportunities through a £70 million investment by 2030.
The Co-op also stressed the importance of collecting socioeconomic data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent certain groups from being left behind.