Co-op reveals plans to open 100 new stores in 2019 creating 1,500 new jobs
The convenience store chain says it's the fourth consecutive year it has opened 100 new stores or more
CO-OP is taking on the larger supermarkets by announcing plans to open 100 new stores in 2019.
The convenience store chain says it's the fourth consecutive year it has opened 100 new stores or more - bucking trends seen on the high street where retailers have been closing shops.
While some locations are still to be confirmed, Co-op says it is focusing on opening new stores in key city centre locations, transport hubs, university campuses and, in new communities in high rise residential developments.
The stores will all have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, food-to-go, wine, meal ideas and essentials.
Around one-third of these are planned for London and the South East following last month’s announcement for a new depot in Bedfordshire that will open in 2022, creating up to 1,200 jobs.
In addition to opening new stores, the retailer will provide major makeovers for a further 200 stores.
Where will the new Co-op stores be?
CO-OP has yet to confirm all of the locations for its new stores. But here are the new branches we do know about:
New London stores are set to include:
- Baker Street Station
- Berwick Street
- Chiswick
- Greenwich
- Ilford
- Queens Park
- Soho
- The Minories
Over 40 new or improved Co-op stores will launch in Scotland in 2019 – including sites in:
- Alford
- Aberdeenshire
- Banchory
- Edinburgh
- Falkirk
- Forres
- Galston
- Glasgow
In Wales, Co-op has plans for at least 10 new stores with openings in:
- Cardiff
- Carmarthen
- Gilfach Goch
- Hendreforgan
- Machen
- Pen Y Groes
- Prestatyn
- St. Athan.
The Co-op says its combined £200million store investment programme could lead to the creation of around 1,500 new jobs.
Shoppers at Co-op's who are part of its loyalty scheme earn a 5 per cent reward when buying own brand products and services, which they can build up to spend in store.
Co-op donates a further 1 cent to organisations in local communities.
Stuart Hookins, Co-op’s director of portfolio and development, said: “Shifts in consumer shopping trends has seen ease, speed and convenience continuing to rise in importance for time-pressed shoppers.”
Co-op says it's currently the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer with more than 2,500 local, convenience and medium-sized stores.
You can find your nearest branch using its .
More on money
More high street job cuts are on the horizon for 2019 as brutal conditions saw 150,000 lost this year.
Distressed retailers including Mothercare, Carpetright, New Look and Homebase used company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) - an insolvency procedure which allows struggling firms to close unprofitable stores.
While several retailers - including Asda, House of Fraser and Evans Cycles - are already expected to cut jobs in 2019.
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