Co-op to create 1,000 jobs as it opens new stores

The Co-op said on Friday that it plans to open more than 65 new and extended stores between now and December, creating up to 1,000 jobs.

The convenience retailer will also make over a further 100 outlets as part of a £130m store investment programme. In addition, up to 12 new Co-op franchise will be lunched this year, including at Oxford Brookes University and Stirling University, with more university locations planned for 2021.

Co-op said research had shown that 70% of adults have relied on their local convenience store in recent months, with shoppers popping to their local store more than three times a week on average.

David Roberts, managing director of Co-op Property, said: "Co-op works to operate at the heart of local life, making a difference in its communities. Multiple factors motivate consumers, with ease, choice and added services chief among them. We continually look for new locations, sites which are definitively convenient in their community - closer to our members and customers with proximity shopping a key consumer consideration.

"Co-operation is a fundamental part of our DNA, and through our partnership approach we are enriching our offer to make convenience truly compelling in our communities."