OurCoop Invests £9.3 Million in New Stores To Support Local Communities

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.

Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at OurCoop, said: “These openings are an important step as we bring our new Society together and continue to invest in our store estate. Our focus is on ensuring our stores are relevant, accessible and rooted in their communities.

As a co-operative business, our priority is to create long-term value for our members and communities. That means making considered investments, supporting local economies and continuing to strengthen our offer over time.

These new stores are a positive step forward in how we can serve our communities locally – providing good quality, convenient shopping while staying true to our co-operative values.”

OurCoop is a member-owned co-operative Society, created by bringing together three established co-operatives – Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative – to create greater impact for members, colleagues and communities.

Beyond its own estate, OurCoop continues to support the growth of the movement, helping to establish new co-operatives across the UK – ranging from community pubs, shops and innovative energy and care initiatives – through funding and by connecting start-ups with more established co-ops for guidance and mentorship. OurCoop also plays a leading role internationally through its Our Malawi Partnership, which supports smallholder farmers and co-operatives through trade, not aid.