Co-op has revealed plans to launch 18 new or revamped stores within the initial quarter of 2026. The debut store of the year will be situated in Willowbrook Park, Didcot, in Oxfordshire. Additionally, various stores, such as the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated outlet in Ealing, London, will undergo renovations.
Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing local stores that serve as community hubs. These stores aim to offer quality products, value, and a diverse range of promotions to cater to the needs of their members and customers. McCrae expressed excitement about the opening of the first store in Oxfordshire and highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand Co-op’s presence across the UK.
In a related initiative, Co-op announced a substantial investment of £70 million to generate 7,000 new apprenticeships by 2030 through its Levy Share service. This program allows levy-paying employers to transfer unused apprenticeship funds to support apprenticeships in various sectors. To date, the scheme has facilitated over 3,800 apprenticeships, prioritizing placements in disadvantaged communities and the care industry.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, underscored the organization’s dedication to leveraging the Levy Share program to create valuable apprenticeship opportunities. Costello outlined the successful allocation of £40 million towards apprenticeships and reaffirmed the commitment to fund 7,000 apprenticeships over the next decade.
Furthermore, Co-op advocated for the collection of socioeconomic data pertaining to apprenticeships to ensure inclusivity and prevent any marginalized groups from being overlooked in the system.
