Co-op plans to open more than 50 new or refurbished stores across the UK before Christmas, including multiple locations in the North of England, while calling on the Government to deliver long-promised business rates reform.
The investment, exceeding £200 million across 2024 and 2025, covers over 200 new and transformed stores. Co-op said that certainty over business rates is essential to giving small and medium-sized retailers confidence to plan, invest, and protect jobs in local communities.
In the North of England, new stores are planned in Oxenhope, West Yorkshire; Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley; Swallownest, South Yorkshire; Great Moor, Stockport; Lowton, Warrington; Wynyard, County Durham; and Runcorn, Cheshire. Additionally, the Scottish Highlands location in Brora, while technically northern Scotland, is also part of this regional expansion. These openings reflect Co-op’s ongoing commitment to supporting both urban centres and smaller towns in the North.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, chief executive of Co-op Group, said: “We are investing in stores and communities across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street. But sustained growth needs certainty. Business rates reform is vital if retailers – especially the 99% who run small stores – are to plan with confidence, protect jobs and keep local economies thriving.
“Co-op is showing what is possible when businesses commit to communities. The Government now has an opportunity in the Autumn Budget to deliver the reform that has long been promised, giving every retailer the stability to invest and grow.”
Co-op said that each new store would offer member price savings, parcel collection, and rapid delivery through its online shop and partners including Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats. These services are designed to provide convenience for residents across the North, from market towns to suburban and city locations.
The Oxenhope and Burley in Wharfedale sites aim to strengthen Co-op’s presence in West Yorkshire, while Swallownest and Great Moor will serve South Yorkshire and Stockport communities. Lowton and Runcorn are intended to provide retail access in Cheshire and Warrington, supporting local economies and sustaining employment. Wynyard will serve County Durham, adding to Co-op’s portfolio of stores in the North East, while Brora represents the most northerly store in the UK network.
Co-op said that business rates reform would provide long-term stability for retailers in the North and across the UK, enabling further investment and store expansion. The company argued that reform would help preserve local jobs, support high streets, and give retailers confidence to continue investing in communities.
The retailer emphasised its ongoing commitment to ethical sourcing. Co-op sources 100% of its fresh and frozen meat from UK farms, including meat used as ingredients, and all Northern stores will adhere to these standards, supporting British producers.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with a history exceeding 180 years. Owned by more than seven million members, it operates over 2,300 food stores and more than 800 funeral homes across the UK, alongside insurance and legal services. The group employs over 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of more than £11 billion.
Alongside full-size stores, Co-op continues to expand its micro-format “on the go” stores. Following recent openings in Solihull and Altrincham, further sites are planned in Aylesbury, Kingston, and Leamington. These smaller stores complement the Northern locations, providing convenient access for busy commuters and town residents while reinforcing Co-op’s commitment to supporting local high streets.
