Co-op confirms 75 new stores will open across the UK this year

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Co-op has unveiled its expansion plans to launch 75 new food stores across the UK this year and refurbish several existing ones.These new supermarkets will include a mix of both Co-op owned and franchise operations, building on the growth of franchises seen in 2024.The new sites are set to include additional university campuses, a groundbreaking venture into a hospital location, and petrol forecourt outlets.Managing director Matt Hood explained the brand's vision: "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."Hood went further to define Co-op's position in the market, saying, "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." The initial Co-op stores to debut in early 2025 are slated for locations in Salford, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Furthermore, the company has detailed plans to fit up to 76,000 solar panels on as many as 700 sites over the impending three years, reports the Express.Meanwhile, amidst these growth strategies, 19 Co-op food stores are anticipated to shut down in 2025.

Reports from The Sun indicate that the closures will predominantly affect the Midlands and East Anglia areas, with doors closing by May 2025 due to financial sustainability challenges.Out of these, three will be transformed into B&M outlets, and the remaining 16 are set to pass under the management of the independent convenience