THE Co-op is set to breathe new life into Britain’s high streets with a massive investment in 24 new and refurbished stores launching by the end of June.
The retail giant confirmed the move as part of a major expansion that will see it open or transform more than 40 sites across the first half of 2026.
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This latest wave of openings will span locations from the south coast of England to the Scottish Highlands, including sites in Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Kent, London, the Midlands, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire.
The expansion includes new stores, refurbished outlets, and franchise operations.
The Co-op said it aims to grow its franchise network to more than 100 sites during 2026, including locations on university campuses, petrol forecourts, and in hospitals.
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, said: “We’re investing to create local stores which are more than just a shop, they are a convenient hub contributing to local life and meeting the needs of communities.
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“Whether it’s quality food for an evening at home, food and drink on the go, a top-up shop or, our wide range of added services – we’re here to serve and support communities, conveniently.
“Local shops are an anchor at the heart of local communities, and we’re moving through 2026 with a strong focus on our members, customers and communities, and a programme designed to enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities across the UK.”
Many of the stores will offer services beyond groceries, including coffee, parcel collection, and payment facilities.
The Co-op said around 90% of the UK population can access its food online through delivery apps including Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.
The announcement follows 18 store openings in the first quarter of 2026, in areas including Ealing, Coventry, Sidmouth, and Tarbert.
Members of the consumer-owned co-operative are entitled to discounted pricing on selected products.
Full list of new and refurbished stores opening by June
Innerleithen, Scottish Borders
Market Place, Pickering, Yorkshire
Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland
Haxby, Yorkshire
Matlock, Derbyshire
Bishopston , Bristol
Bridgwater, Somerset
Grange Over Sands, Cumbria
Birmingham University Centre, West Midlands
Wood Green, Greater London
Stepps, Glasgow
Lechlade, Gloucester
Earls Court, Greater London
Lydney, Gloucestershire
Callerton, Tyne and Wear
Ashford, Kent
Newhaw, Surrey
Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire
Didcot, Oxfordshire (2)
Rendlesham, Suffolk
Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire
Wombourne, Staffordshire
Wynyard, County Durham
