Co-op plans to open 50 new or renovated stores across the UK before Christmas, as part of its investment in local high streets.

The new stores will open in November and December. New branches will include a store at the Brent Cross Town development in London, five smaller format stores and a franchised location on the campus of Lancaster University.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, 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.

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The retailer also called on the Government for business rates reform in the upcoming Autumn Budget to support local retailers’ businesses.

Last month Co-op’s wholesale partners urged the Government to extend business rates relief, warning that stores could be at risk without the support.

Khoury-Haq added: “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.”

This store expansion is part of the convenience store retailer’s £200 million investment over 2024/25 in over 200 new and transformed stores.