Co-op to open 50 new stores before Christmas

Co-op has revealed plans to open more than 50 new or transformed stores across the UK before Christmas.

The openings, which takes Co-op’s investment to more than £200m over 2024/25 in over 200 new and transformed stores, are a variety of formats and locations.

As part of the 50, Co-op is set to become the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development in London.

The retailer is also set to open five new micro-format ‘on the go’ stores and a new franchise store on Lancaster University campus, which will take the number of university campus Co-op franchise stores to 11.

It comes as the supermarket has called on the government to “finish the job” with business rates reform.

Co-op said that long-term investment confidence across the sector now depends on the Government following through on the promised reform.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street. But sustained growth needs certainty. Business-rates reform is vital if retailers – especially the 99% who run small stores – are to plan with confidence, protect jobs and keep local economies thriving.

“Co-op is showing what’s possible when businesses commit to communities. The Government now has an opportunity in the Autumn Budget to do its part by delivering the reform that’s long been promised – giving every retailer, from small to large, the stability to invest and grow.”