British co-operative group Co-op has announced the launch of three new convenience stores across the UK in an expansion of its retail footprint.  

The openings are set to enhance community retail offerings and generate over 50 local jobs. 

The Chorley Road convenience store in Lancashire, between Bamber Bridge and Walton le Dale, spans 2,500ft² and has brought 16 new jobs to the area.  

It features a Costa Coffee Express and an in-store bakery, and offers a range of fresh, chilled and healthy produce.  

Customers can also find meal ideas, everyday essentials, food-to-go and meal deals. 

In addition to its retail offerings, the store provides customer car parking with an electric vehicle charging point, an InPost Locker for parcel collection, and an ATM for cash access.  

A soft plastic recycle unit is also available to recycle items such as crisp packets and bread bags. 

On 26 July, Co-op also opened its Hampton Gardens, Peterborough store.  

The 2,700ft² purpose-built store has created 15 local jobs.  

The third store, located in Plaistow Road, East London, is situated in the Plaistow Hub near the station.

The 3,000ft² store supports more 20 local jobs. 

In addition to recycling units and parcel collection services, both the Hampton Gardens and Plaistow stores offer online home delivery through Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.

Owned by millions of UK consumers, Co-op operates 2,400 food stores and 800 funeral homes, while also supplying products to 6,000 other stores. 

In July 2024 Co-op announced the opening of a new store in Parbold, West Lancashire, and the re-opening of a store in Killay, Swansea following renovation.