Co-op reveals plans to open 75 new stores in 2025
The Co-op is planning to open 75 new stores across the UK this year.
And the company, which has stores across the West Midlands, has also announced it will refurbish scores of existing sites.
The Co-op has yet to provide a list of any areas in the West Midlands which might be targeted, saying 'it was not in a position just yet to reveal specific locations'.
But it said the new UK stores will be both Co-op and franchise-run, building on an increase in franchises in 2024, including on more university campus sites, a first Co-op in a hospital as well as on petrol forecourts.
The first new Co-op stores to open in early 2025 will be in Salford and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
The Co-op also announced plans to install up to 76,000 solar panels on up to 700 of its sites over the next three years.
Matt Hood, the 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.”
The Co-op said it is on track to achieve its ambition of growing to eight million members by 2030, with new stores bringing the benefits of membership, including member savings, to more local communities.
