Co-op accelerates UK expansion with 24 new and upgraded stores
Retailer targets over 40 openings in the first half of 2026 across high streets, campuses, and forecourts.
Co-op has announced plans to open or refurbish 24 stores across the UK during the second quarter of 2026, continuing its investment in local retail and community-focused formats. The rollout, scheduled through the end of June, follows 18 store launches in the first quarter, bringing total openings and upgrades to more than 40 sites in the first half of the year.
The new locations span a mix of formats, including newly built stores, refurbished sites, and franchise outlets, extending from southern England to the Scottish Highlands. The expansion also includes growth in non-traditional locations such as university campuses and petrol forecourts, reflecting a broader strategy to reach diverse customer segments.
Co-op’s approach focuses on positioning stores as local hubs that combine grocery retail with added services such as coffee, parcel collection, payment options, and rapid delivery. The company continues to integrate its physical footprint with its quick commerce capabilities, using stores as micro-fulfillment hubs for online orders fulfilled through its own platform and partners including Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
The retailer is also scaling its franchise model, which had 65 locations at the end of 2025 and is expected to exceed 100 sites during 2026. These outlets extend Co-op’s reach into new environments, including healthcare facilities and transport-linked retail.
