A new Co-op franchise is expected to open in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, on 26 February, while Co-ops in Killearn, Stirling, and Tarbert, Argyll, are set to relaunch following extensive refits on 26 February and 12 March respectively.
Cruden Bay Co-op will launch following the redevelopment of the village’s Post Office and Store, which has been closed since the end of September to accomodate the building and renovation work. The new store will house a Post Office serving point at the counter.
The new Scottish outlets are three of 18 Co-op stores set to open or re-launch following major investment in the first quarter of 2026.
This follows 10 stores either opening or relaunching in Scotland during November and December, including a new store in Gairloch in the Northwest Highlands and a new outlet in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders (pictured above).
The stores offer coffee, bakery; Fairtrade products; fresh and healthy produce and added services include payment services; parcel collection and returns and home delivery. Co-op claims that around 86% of the UK population now has access to its groceries online via the group’s website and through delivery platforms including Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, said: “We’re focussed on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities. Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy. I’m delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities all across the UK.”
January has also seen Co-op unveil its new Served ‘Taste of Asia’ range with a main course and two sides for two and, in a UK convenience retailer first, launch own-brand GLP-1 friendly meals as part of its new “Good Fuel” health range offer. The range includes four new mini meals, which have been specially developed for shoppers with smaller appetites following data which reveals 3% of the UK population – which is the equivalent of one in every 30 – is now using a form of weight loss medication.
