Co-op is to open 100 convenience stores across the UK this year as part of a £200m investment programme.

A third of the stores will be based in London and the South East, while 200 stores will be refurbished as part of the investment.

The multiple will open the stores in city centres, areas close to major transport networks, universities and communities with high rise residential developments. Each shop will focus predominantly on fresh food and food to go.  

Co-op director of portfolio and development Stuart Hookins said: “This year will be the fourth consecutive year of opening around 100 new stores, and investing in a core convenience estate that has seen over four years of consecutive like-for-like sales growth.”

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