Co-op to open 75 new stores this year in major supermarket expansion
Co-op has announced plans to open 75 new stores this year as part of a huge expansion.
The first new stores will open in Salford Quays and Newcastle Upon Tyne, although no set date has been announced yet. Co-op says 25 of the new stores will be operated by the retailer, while the rest will be franchised. It comes comes as part of wider plans to open 120 new Co-ops over the next four years.
The supermarket chain will also refurbish 80 existing stores this year. Some of the stores that are set for a re-launch following major makeovers in early 2025 include those in Exeter, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Avonmouth, Hereford and Clapham.
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Last year saw Co-op franchise stores open on more university campus, a first for Co-op with a store opening in a hospital, on petrol forecourts in partnership with EG On The Move, plus a Co-op store at HMS Collingwood, in partnership with ESS.
Matt Hood, Co-op’s Managing Director 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 six 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. Our stores play an active role in local life, and are often a community hub, providing the products and services our members and customers want and need.”
It comes after Co-op axed loyalty rewards for its Co-op Membership customers last year. The supermarket chain used to reward customers with 2p for every £1 spent on Co-op branded goods or services – but this was scrapped and customers had until December 31 to spend any rewards balance they had built up.
At the time, the Co-op said: "Rather than earning a few pence on rewards, our Members will now make substantial savings on their shop with immediate discounts being applied at the till. Overall, a bigger saving on Co-op, and branded products."
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