34 new Co-op stores create 500 jobs
We opened another 34 new shops in the first half of the year, investing £21 million and creating around 500 jobs for local people. We also refitted nearly 100 stores across the country, improving the shopping experience for thousands of people in those communities.
A growing business
More people are choosing Co-op than ever before, that’s why we’re still expanding. Our like-for-like sales have been increasing consistently for over five years, with much of this growth being driven by sales of our award-winning own-label products.
Our shops are conveniently located close to where our customers live and work, so we’re perfectly placed to meet their needs. A recent survey showed that we’re the top-up shop destination of choice for one in three customers, ahead of M&S, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s.
More than just a shop
In April we celebrated giving £9 million back to 4,000 local causes chosen by our members. This is part of a wider membership offer that will see £100 million a year go back to members and communities by 2018. You can find out more about this, and other causes that we’re championing, in The Co-op Way Report.