Co-op is rolling out upgraded in-store communication headsets across its estate after agreeing a new five-year partnership aimed at improving colleague safety and operational efficiency.

The convenience retailer will deploy new Series 5 Pro headsets to more than 2,300 stores nationwide as part of its ongoing investment in store technology.

The rollout follows a pilot across 114 locations and began in February 2026. Full deployment is expected to be completed next year.

The upgrade builds on Co-op’s existing headset system, first introduced in 2017 to allow colleagues to communicate instantly with each other and with the retailer’s support centre.

According to Co-op, the latest headsets will help store teams respond more quickly to customer requests while also streamlining day-to-day tasks on the shop floor.

Colleagues will be able to communicate instantly when assisting shoppers, checking stock availability, managing parcel collections or processing online orders.

Early feedback from staff has been positive, with almost nine in ten colleagues involved in the pilot saying they preferred the new headsets, citing improved comfort, sound quality and ease of use.

The technology also forms part of Co-op’s wider focus on colleague safety. The retailer said its headset systems help employees connect quickly with other team members or its security operations centre when required.

David Tyas, head of retail support centre and innovation at Co-op, said the rollout reflects the retailer’s ongoing efforts to improve store operations and the customer experience.

“As a convenience retailer, we are always exploring new and innovative ways to make improvements to the way we work and to make shopping quicker and easier for our customers,” he said.

“Following the trials, we are confident the S5 Pro headsets will simplify everyday tasks for colleagues, strengthen communication and support our focus on ensuring a safe and enjoyable shopping environment for everybody, all while helping us deliver an even better experience for our members and customers.”

The rollout will see the upgraded headsets deployed across the retailer’s convenience estate over the next year.

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