Co-operative Stores Set to Close in 2025: Comprehensive List and Rationale Behind the Closures
In a bid to stay afloat in the evolving retail landscape, Co-op is restructuring its business model. The supermarket chain is focusing on expansion, innovation, and investment to cater to changing shopping habits and market conditions.
Franchise Expansion
Co-op aims to double sales from its franchise stores by opening 75 new outlets in 2025, 50 of which will be franchise-operated. These stores will be located in high-demand areas such as petrol forecourts, university campuses, hospitals, and Ministry of Defence bases. This strategy allows Co-op to reach customers in places not accessible through traditional corporate leases.
On-the-Go Micro Stores
Co-op has introduced a new small-format "food-for-now" store, designed for high footfall locations. These stores focus on grab-and-go meal occasions like breakfast, lunch, and dinner with curated offerings including over-the-counter hot food and deli selections. The plan is to open several hundred such stores over the next 2-3 years.
Quick Commerce and Online Delivery
Co-op is the first UK grocer to roll out Deliveroo Express, enabling fast and reliable grocery deliveries to an expanded customer base. This supports growth in on-demand grocery shopping as 86% of the UK population now has access to Co-op groceries online.
Social and Community Commitment
Alongside commercial initiatives, Co-op reinforces its social impact through its Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity programme. This commitment supports Co-op’s broader brand positioning and customer loyalty in a changing market.
Store Closures
Despite these positive steps, Co-op has announced plans to close 19 food stores and 6 funeral homes across the UK by 2025. Affected locations include Oswestry and Nottingham. The closures are due to rising operational costs, shifting shopping trends, and a strategic focus on sustainability.
Many local shoppers have expressed concerns about losing convenient grocery options and local job opportunities. However, Co-op remains committed to serving communities through continued investment in key locations. The supermarket chain is investing in the future by opening 5 new stores, refurbishing 35 existing shops, and 16 funeral homes by the end of 2024.
The Co-op's business restructuring does not provide details on the number of stores or funeral homes to be expanded, refurbished, or the exact locations. The closures highlight the struggles faced by brick-and-mortar retailers in a digital shopping era.
In conclusion, Co-op is adapting its business strategy to maintain profitability while meeting the needs of its customers. By expanding its franchise network, launching a new micro "on-the-go" store format, and enhancing its quick commerce and online delivery capabilities, Co-op is positioning itself for growth in convenience, online shopping, and community engagement.
- Co-op plans to double sales from its franchise stores by opening 75 new outlets in 2025, with half of them operating under the franchise model.
- The new stores will be situated in high-demand areas like petrol forecourts, university campuses, hospitals, and Ministry of Defence bases.
- Co-op has introduced a small-format "food-for-now" store, focused on grab-and-go meals, and intends to open several hundred such stores over the next 2-3 years.
- Co-op is one of the first UK grocers to implement Deliveroo Express, providing swift and dependable grocery deliveries to a broader customer base.
- The business restructuring of Co-op includes not only the expansion and refurbishment of stores but also the investment in 16 funeral homes by the end of 2024.
- Despite the closure of some stores and funeral homes across the UK, Co-op remains dedicated to serving communities through its social impact programs, like Making a Difference Locally (MADL), and by opening new stores in key locations.
