Co-op to open 50 stores before Christmas as it calls for Government to ‘finish the job’ on business rates reform
Co-op is planning to open more than 50 new or transformed UK stores before Christmas.
The expansion will see Co-op become the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development in London. It will also include the launch of five new micro-format ‘on the go’ stores and a new franchise at Lancaster University, taking the total number of Co-op university campus franchise stores to 11.
Over the two-month period, stores opening will include a mix of new sites and re-openings following major investment. Each will offer member price savings, parcel collection services, and rapid delivery via Co-op’s own online shop and partners including Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
While announcing the openings, the retailer warned that business rates reform will be vital to sustaining investment and unlocking further growth across the retail sector.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group chief executive, said: “We’re investing in stores and communities right 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’s possible when businesses commit to communities. The Government now has an opportunity in the Autumn Budget to do its part by delivering the reform that’s long been promised – giving every retailer, from small to large, the stability to invest and grow.”
