Co-op is planning a store expansion drive in the UK this year

The new stores will be both Co-op and franchise-run, following the opening of its first hospital store in 2024, including more units on university campuses and petrol forecourts.

The expansion of its store estate is set to create hundreds of new jobs in the UK. Eighty existing shops are set for a refresh to include services such as parcel collection and returns, and wider payment services.

Plans for 2025 include up to 25 new Co-op operated stores, forming part of ambitions to add 120 new stores in the next four years.

Up to 50 stores are planned to open and operate as a franchise, bringing convenience to locations that may not currently have access to a Co-op.

The first new Co-op stores opening in early 2025 will be in Salford and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Co-op Food managing director Matt Hood said: “We want everyone to have easy and convenient access to a Co-op store, wherever they live, and this year we are completely focused on achieving that through an ambitious and exciting new stores strategy.

“Not only are we a membership organisation owned by our 6 million members, we are experts in convenience shopping, where we combine great quality products, value and deals and ethical retailing with quick online delivery services, community participation and additional customer services.”