Co-op to open 100 food stores in 2019 in push towards convenience

Co-op has confirmed it is to open 100 food stores this year as part of a £200m push to improve its convenience offering.

The new locations will come in addition to the refurbishment of 200 stores across the country as part of an investment programme it says will create around 1,500 new jobs.

Around one-third of the retailer’s new stores are planned for London and the south east, it said, with locations opening in Soho, Greenwich and Baker Street.

The push is part of the company’s response to shifting consumer trends, which will see it placing more importance on ease, speed and convenience, according to director of portfolio and development Stuart Hookins.

“The right location and range tailored to fulfil the shopping needs of a community is a cornerstone of our approach, and there has been an evolution in how we choose new locations and, innovate our offer,” he said.

This will be the fourth consecutive year Co-op has opened 100 or more new stores, and the company said it was focusing on city centre locations, transport hubs and university campuses.

In November the group opened a new distribution depot in Bedfordshire, which it says will serve the new stores opening in London and the south east.

The new 660,000 square foot distribution centre will create up to 1,200 jobs when it opens in 2022, Co-op said.

Co-op said it has signed a 20-year lease for the depot in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

The facility, which will be fitted with low energy lighting and rainwater harvesting, will reduce the distance food has to travel to get to customers, the company said.