OurCoop unveils MediaCoop – a new way for partners to connect products, people and everyday moments
Published 9 Feb 2026 in Society Announcements
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MediaCoop gives brands, suppliers and partners a joined-up way to connect with customers across OurCoop’s family of businesses, starting with over 500 FoodCoop stores.
OurCoop has unveiled MediaCoop, a new partner proposition designed to connect product awareness with real category demand across a truly national, multi-business co-operative estate.
Formed through the coming together of Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star, OurCoop represents nearly £2 billion in annual sales, more than one million Members and around 13,000 colleagues, serving communities through a unique family of businesses built around everyday life and the moments that matter most.
Created in partnership with GIG Retail, MediaCoop gives brands, suppliers and partners a single, joined-up way to engage customers across that family of businesses, starting with over 500 FoodCoop stores and expanding over time across food, early years, travel, utilities and everyday essentials.
MediaCoop goes beyond traditional in-store tactics or advertising space. It connects the commercial opportunity of a family of businesses, enabling partners to show up in the right places, at the right moments, in ways that feel relevant, useful and genuinely helpful to customers. Opportunities range from in-store environments and digital touchpoints to community-led activations such as bike repair stations, early years settings, customer facilities, events and app-based engagement.
Designed to be fast, flexible and insight-led, MediaCoop aligns supplier objectives with clearly defined missions, using data and insight to match products with the right audiences, locations and moments. Activity will be shaped around both micro and macro seasonal opportunities and cultural events, including a major focus on the summer of sport in 2026, alongside family life, wellbeing and everyday needs.
By connecting insight, scale and community presence, MediaCoop is intended to support a range of partner outcomes, from increasing footfall and driving volume to building brands in ways that are trusted and relevant within local communities.
Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of OurCoop, said: “MediaCoop is one of the most exciting opportunities we can offer as a new Society, because it brings together two things we are known for, our scale and the trust we earn in communities week in, week out.
“It gives brands and partners a joined-up way to connect with customers across our family of businesses, starting with FoodCoop and growing from there across everyday life.
This is about working beyond the shelf. It’s not just about space or screens, but about showing up in the right places, at the right moments, in ways that connect product awareness with real customer needs. Our ambition is to move quickly, stay flexible and work closely with partners to deliver activity that drives commercial results while creating long-term shared value.”
MediaCoop is launching as a limited opportunity, aligned with the start of the new OurCoop Society. Details were unveiled at Destination 27, an event supporting the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
For more information, visit https://gigretail.co.uk/coop-contact-page
Notes to Editors
Terms and conditions apply on all member deals. For full details, visit www.midcounties.coop or www.Centralcoop.co.uk
About OurCoop
OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values.
The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
OurCoop and its family of businesses are trading names of Central England Co-operative Limited.
OurCoop family of businesses
OurCoop brings together a family of established co-operative businesses operating across food retail, travel, funeralcare, Early Years and utilities:
- FoodCoop – Over 500 stores at the heart of high streets across the UK and serving communities with quality, responsibly sourced products.
- TravelCoop – More than 70 branches plus online services, helping people explore the world while supporting ethical tourism.
- FuneralCoop – Over 150 funeral homes, providing dignified, compassionate support when families need it most.
- Little Pioneers – More than 40 Early Years nurseries giving children the best possible start, run on co-operative principles.
- EnergyCoop, MobileCoop and BroadbandCoop – The UK's only co-operative utilities provider, demonstrating that essential services don't need to prioritise shareholder dividends over customer needs.
Membership
Membership of OurCoop is available through existing Central Co-op and Midcounties membership channels while systems are integrated. Members can apply via the Central Co-op app or online, with Midcounties membership applications continuing through existing digital sign-up routes.
Further information on membership and sign-up options is available via existing Central Co-op and Midcounties channels.