Co-op plans to open 18 stores in the first quarter of the year, with both new sites and re-opening shops after “transformative investment to enhance the shopping experience in high streets and communities”. 

The first new Co-op store to open will serve the new neighbourhood development of Willowbrook Park, Didcot, in Oxfordshire, the convenience giant said. 

While the first of its stores to re-open following a makeover include a convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, as well as a franchise operated site in Ealing, London.

The business said that it was focused on creating stores which acted as a “hub locally,” offering “great quality and value alongside added services”. 

Co-op operations director Kate McCrae said: “We’re focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop, they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities.

“Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy.”

She added: “I’m delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities all across the UK.”

The announcement comes after Co-op recently unveiled its latest “on the go” format store in Kingston upon Thames, marking its first in the London area. 

Based in Clarence Street, the store is focused on serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in new formats, from traditional meal deals to the inclusion of a hot food serve-over counter, coffee, pastries, pizza and deli-inspired selections.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter