The University of Glasgow, which is part of Russell Group, is set to open a Co-op franchise store in time for the new academic year in September.
Another Co-op franchise store will launch at fellow Russell Group member, University of Birmingham.
Co-op already has stores located on Russell Group university campuses located in Leeds, Newcastle and Warwick. The two new stores will take the total number of Co-op’s university campus stores to 14.
The stores will have a strong focus on quick and easy customer service, with an array of self-service till points designed to conveniently serve the student population during high foot-traffic times of the day.
Co-op’s Franchise operation continues to grow, with stores increasing by 16% to 65 locations by the end of 2025. Co-op has pledged to grow this number to over 100 during 2026 with further launches to include universities, petrol forecourts and hospitals, as well as with independent retailers.
Co-op’s campus stores already serve an estimated university population of more than 200,000 (up 25% to year-end December) – a figure which is expected to exceed 300,000 during 2026.
Supporting Co-op’s membership growth ambition more than 50,000 new members joined via its Franchise operation in 2025. Member price savings create additional value for Co-op members who can save more with personalised offers, deals and promotions – lower prices on the products shoppers buy most.
Jonathan Perry, Head of Franchise Development, Co-op, said: “We’re delighted to confirm our latest franchise partnerships and to be working with the Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow. These stores are designed to become genuine campus hubs, offering quality products, great value with a proposition tailored to the pace and needs of university life. Whether people are studying, living, working or visiting, Co op is focused on bringing the benefits of Co-op membership to more locations and, serving and supporting diverse and dynamic campus communities.”
Peter Kelland, University of Birmingham’s Head of Retail and Brands, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening the new Co op on campus, giving students easy access to affordable, high quality food in a space designed around university life. Co op’s strong commitment to sustainability and community aligns closely with our values, and I am confident it will exceed both the students’ and staffs’ expectations.”
Ronnie Webster, University of Glasgow’s Executive Director of Commercial Services, said: “We are always looking to improve our campus services, to give students and staff the best experience of University life. Having a Co-op will give everyone across our community the convenience to grab food, drink and household essentials close to where they work and study.”
