Co-op said it will create up to 1000 jobs by the end of this year as part of a £130 million store investment programme.
The consumer co-operative plans to open three stores each week until December, launching over 65 stores new and extended stores.
In addition, more than 100 further outlets will receive makeovers as part of the store investment programme.
“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,” said David Roberts, managing director, Co-op Property.
“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.”
Commenting, James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said: “This commitment to investing in stores in the coming months is testament to the importance of the convenience sector and the role that local shops play in people’s everyday lives.”
The retailer is also expanding its franchise stores, with 12 new stores set to launch this year and more planned for 2021. Co-op-owned symbol group Nisa recruited 304 new stores during the first half of 2020.
Co-op has strengthened its online and click & collect offering, with its stores, which act as micro-distribution hubs, benefitting from an uptick in increased online demand by up to 10-15 per cent.
The retailer’s partnership with John Lewis click & collect service has exceeded 500 Co-op stores this month. It is now the most widely available supermarket on the Deliveroo with over 400 stores.
The Co-op’s announcement will bring some cheer to Britain’s troubled labour market as it comes after major UK companies announcing thousands of job cuts in recent weeks, owing to effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
Last month the Confederation of British Industry said British retailers had cut the most jobs since the depths of the financial crisis and expected the pace of losses to accelerate.
Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams, WH Smith and Dixons Carphone have all announced job cuts, reflecting the rapid shift in demand to online sales.
Tesco has, however, said last month it would create 16,000 permanent roles to meet the surge in home deliveries.
Amazon has said this week it will create a further 7,000 permanent jobs in 2020, taking total new hires this year to 10,000.
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