OurCoop, the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, has opened four new FoodCoop stores since it formed in January, backed by £9.3 million of investment and bringing modern, community-focused shopping spaces to regions across the UK, while also providing local employment opportunities.
The newly launched stores strengthen OurCoop’s presence across key catchments, with four FoodCoop locations opened across Leicestershire (Desford), Buckinghamshire (Wavendon), Gloucestershire (Leckhampton), and Merseyside (Rainhill), alongside two new Co-op Travel branches in Lichfield and Cheltenham.
Together, the openings represent a continued focus on developing a modern, community-led convenience format, combining strong fresh and local ranges with an in-store experience tailored to neighbourhood needs.
Each FoodCoop store has been designed to deliver operational efficiency alongside community value. Features include solar panels, bird boxes, EV charging stations, community gardens, and bike maintenance stations, alongside local partnerships from the outset. Each opening has been marked with a ribbon cutting by prominent local figures, including local Parish members, school children, and heads of local charities and organisations.
The rollout has also supported local economies, creating more than 50 jobs across the six locations and establishing new retail hubs designed to drive footfall and repeat visits.
With a combined estate of almost 500 stores and a membership base of more than one million members, OurCoop continues to develop its customer proposition – offering exclusive deals for members, community reinvestment, and a democratic voice in how the Society is run, within an increasingly competitive convenience sector.
“As a co-operative business, making a positive difference is at the heart of how we operate,” said CEO Debbie Robinson. “Our scale and breadth mean we can support our members every day and throughout life’s big moments, generating greater value through our businesses and reinvesting for the long-term.”