Co-op Group, the Manchester-based member-owned mutual, said it plans to open more than 50 new or “transformed” stores across the UK before Christmas — while calling on the UK Government to deliver business-rates reform to secure the future of small shops and community retail.

Co-op said that long-term investment confidence across the sector now depends on the Government following through on the promised reform, “giving thousands of retailers the certainty they need to plan, invest and protect jobs.”

The 50 openings take Co-op’s investment to more than £200 million over 2024-25 in over 200 new and transformed stores.

Included in the 50 is Co-op becoming the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development in London, five new micro-format “on the go” stores, a new franchise store on Lancaster University campus, which will take the number of university campus Co-op franchise stores to 11, with the most northern of the 50 in the Scottish Highlands village of Brora, and the most southerly in Devon and Cornwall.

Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street. But sustained growth needs certainty. Business-rates reform is vital if retailers – especially the 99% who run small stores – are to plan with confidence, protect jobs and keep local economies thriving.

“Co-op is showing what’s possible when businesses commit to communities. The Government now has an opportunity in the Autumn Budget to do its part by delivering the reform that’s long been promised – giving every retailer, from small to large, the stability to invest and grow.”

Stores opening in November and December are a mix of new sites and re-openings following major investment. Each site will offer member price savings, parcel collection, and rapid delivery through Co-op’s own online shop and partners including Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

“Co-op’s ongoing focus on convenience includes backing British farmers and producers, with 100% of its fresh and frozen meat, including as an ingredient, sourced from the UK,” said the group.

Co-op is owned by more than 7 million members. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 staff and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion.