Jobs boost as Co-op plans to open 100 new food stores
The venture will create around 1,600 jobs.
The Co-op has announced plans to open 100 new food stores over the next year - creating around 1,600 jobs.
The Manchester based retailer will invest more than £160 million in the venture, as well as giving "major makeovers'' to a further 150 outlets.
More than 20 new stores will open in London, up to 18 in Scotland, 10 in Wales and others in English cities including York, Plymouth and Bristol.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food said: "The Co-op is positively responding to the changes occurring within this dynamic sector. Our food business is going from strength to strength in what is clearly a challenging retail market.
"We have the ambition for our stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering our members and customers great quality products when and where they need them.''
Stuart Hookins, Co-op's director of portfolio and development, said: "The Co-op's extensive acquisitions and refit programme is a fundamental part of our food strategy.
"Moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, our expansion plans for 2018 will mean that the Co-op is on track to have opened at least 100 new stores in each of three consecutive years.
"With over one million new active members joining us in the last year, we are always looking for new locations to get closer to where our members and customers live and work and to meet their shopping needs conveniently.''