Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the initial quarter of 2026. The inaugural Co-op store for 2026 is set to debut in the fresh residential area of Willowbrook Park in Didcot, located in Oxfordshire.

Several stores will undergo refurbishment, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated establishment in Ealing, London. According to Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, the focus is on establishing local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products and value through various deals and promotions.

The company’s proactive approach includes a significant store expansion program aimed at bolstering Co-op’s presence in various UK high streets and communities. This initiative follows the Co-op’s recent announcement detailing plans to generate numerous new apprenticeships over the coming years.

Through its Levy Share service, the retail giant has committed £70 million to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030, allowing levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship levy funds to support businesses, charities, and community organizations. Since its inception four years ago, the scheme has successfully matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a considerable portion benefiting 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 initiative, which has already channeled £40 million into apprenticeships. The company continues its dedication to fostering opportunities and inclusivity, with the ambition to generate 7,000 apprenticeships by the end of the decade.

Moreover, the Co-op advocates for the collection of socioeconomic background data for apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent any groups from being overlooked within the system.