Co-op is set to open 18 new and refurbished stores across the UK in the first quarter of 2026 as it ramps up investment in high streets and communities.
A new store in Didcot, Oxfordshire, marks the start of Co-op’s 2026 openings. It is also launching a number of refurbished stores, including a site in Eastern Green, Coventry following a “major makeover”. Another franchise store in Ealing, London is also opening.
The remaining launches are spread across Scotland, the Midlands, the south west, the south east, and northern England, in locations such as Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Devon, Hampshire and North Yorkshire.
Co-op said it was focusing on creating stores that “acted as a hub locally, offering great quality and value alongside added services”.
The stores offer coffee, bakery, Fairtrade products and fresh produce, with member prices available to “create additional value”. Services include payment services, parcel collection and returns.
Home delivery is also available through Co-op’s own online shop and partners such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats. Co-op said around 86% of the UK population now had access to Co-op groceries online.
“We’re focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities,” said Co-op operations director Kate McCrae.
“Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy. I’m delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities all across the UK.”
The new store launches comes as Co-op revealed its new ‘Taste of Asia’ range with a main course and two sides for two and, in a UK convenience retailer first, launched new own-brand GLP-1 friendly meals as part of its new ‘Good Fuel’ health range offer.
Soft plastic recycling is also available in stores, making it easier for shoppers to return harder to recycle materials in their communities, such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and petfood pouches.
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