The Co-op has unveiled ambitious plans to launch 75 new food stores across the UK within the year, with a comprehensive refurbishment programme also in place for its current outlets.
These new and updated supermarkets will be a mix of Co-op and franchise-operated locations, contributing to an increased franchise presence following growth in 2024, particularly on university campuses, marking Co-op’s debut within a hospital setting, and extending to petrol forecourts, reports the Express.
The managing director of Co-op, Matt Hood stated: “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.”
He went on to highlight the group’s appeal by saying: “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.”
Thrillingly, some of the pioneering locations set for early 2025 openings include Salford, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Additionally, Co-op is looking to become more energy self-sufficient by fitting up to 76,000 solar panels across up to 700 sites over the next three years.
However, it’s not all expansion; 19 Co-op food stores are anticipated to shut down in 2025. Reports from The Sun indicate the supermarket chain is planning to cease operations at various shops situated in the Midlands and East Anglia by May 2025, due to financial sustainability concerns.
Out of these closures, three are expected to transform into B&M stores, whilst the remaining 16 are set to be taken over by Samy Limited, an independent convenience store operator behind household names like Spar, Londis, and Premier.
The following 19 Central Co-op Food stores are scheduled to close in 2025:
Barnby Dun, High Street – South Yorkshire
Broughton, High St – Northamptonshire
Croft, Pochin Street – Leicestershire
Desborough, Hill Top, Braybrooke Road – Northamptonshire
Dudley, Overfield Road – West Midlands
Eastwood, Nottingham Road – Nottinghamshire
Enderby, Mill Lane – Leicestershire
Kingstanding, Hawthorn Road – West Midlands
Leicester, Evington Rd – Leicestershire
Leicester, Narborough Rd – Leicestershire
Narborough, Station Road – Leicestershire
Peterborough, Mayors Walk – Cambridgeshire
Sprowston, Chartwell Road – Norfolk
Stafford, Baswich Lane – Staffordshire
Wigston, Blaby Road – Leicestershire
Yardley, Stoney Lane – West Midlands
Cromer, Middlebrook Way – Norfolk
Erdington, High Street – West Midlands
Shepshed, Hallcroft – Leicestershire