Co-op announces major expansion across the UK this year

LocalBusiness & Finance
30 Jan 2026 • 9:56 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The Co-op has announced plans to open 18 new stores across the UK and refurbish existing ones, with the first new outlet in Didcot, Oxfordshire, set for 2026.
  • This retail investment aims to enhance Co-op's presence in high streets and communities, creating local hubs that meet community needs.
  • In November 2025, the Co-op committed £70 million through its Levy Share service to create 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030.
  • The Levy Share scheme, launched four years ago, has already matched over 3,800 apprenticeships, with a focus on deprived communities and the care sector.
  • These expansion plans come as the Co-op continues to recover from a significant cyber attack that resulted in the theft of personal data, including names, addresses, and contact information, belonging to 6.5 million members.

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