World News Online: Co-op plans to open 75 new stores in 2025

Co-op plans to open 75 new stores in 2025 - will a branch open near you?

The Co-op is set to open 75 food stores across the UK this year with plans to refurbish existing branches.

The new supermarket stores will be both Co-op and franchise-run, building on an increase in franchises in 2024, including on more university campus sites, a first Co-op in a hospital, and petrol forecourts.

Matt Hood, Co-op’s managing director, said: “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.

“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 first Co-op stores, which will open in early 2025, will be in Salford, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Co-op also announced plans to install up to 76,000 solar panels on up to 700 sites over the next three years.

It comes as 19 Co-op food stores are expected to close in 2025.

According to The Sun, the supermarket will close its food stores in the Midlands and East Anglia by May 2025, citing "financial sustainability issues."

Of these, three will be converted into B&M stores, while the other 16 will be acquired by Samy Limited, an independent convenience chain that operates brands like Spar, Londis, and Premier.