British co-operative group Co-op plans to open 75 new stores across the UK in 2025.
The upcoming outlets will include both Co-op-owned and franchise operations. Its franchising model has seen recent significant expansion.
Co-op anticipates opening up to 25 company-run stores during the year, with inaugural locations at Salford Quays, and at the Anchorage and East Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The brand also expects to launch up to 50 franchised stores in 2025.
This expansion is a continuation of the Co-op’s franchise growth from 2024, which saw the introduction of Co-op stores in novel settings such as university campuses, a pioneering hospital-based store, petrol forecourts in collaboration with EG On The Move, and at a location at HMS Collingwood Royal Navy training centre in partnership with ESS.
The Co-op also plans to refurbish up to 80 existing stores in 2025, optimising its current real estate portfolio to ensure that each postal area retains a Co-op store.
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By GlobalDataEarly re-launches following extensive renovations are expected in locations such as Exeter, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire.
Co-op stores serve as micro-distribution centres for the company’s online home delivery service, with a model that ensures orders are picked fresh at local stores and promptly delivered.
The retailer seeks to increase its share of the rapid commerce market to above 30% by focusing on its own platform as well as partnerships with Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Co-op has announced plans to install up to 76,000 solar panels at up to 700 sites within its food, funeral care and logistics divisions up to 2028.
Co-op stores also act as high street showcases for the chain’s growing digital media screen network, and embody the tangible benefits of Co-op membership.
Co-op managing director Matt Hood 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.”
In September 2024, Co-op announced the launch of a 24-hour online grocery delivery service in the UK, to meet increasing demand for shopping at non-traditional times.
