Co-op is set to implement new “flexi checkouts” to reduce waiting times for customers at its stores. These smart tills can operate either as self-service or be manned by cashiers, offering flexibility based on customer preference. Co-op aims to enhance convenience and minimize queues with this initiative.
Supplied by American company Diebold Nixdorf, these checkouts will be installed in 150 Co-op stores by April. In addition to the dual operational modes, the screens will display price discounts, promotions, and potential future services like handling parcel collections. Co-op claims to be the pioneering UK supermarket to adopt this technology.
David Tyas, Co-op’s head of operations, support center, and innovation, emphasized the focus on creating local stores that cater to community needs while providing an enjoyable shopping experience. The innovative checkout technology replaces traditional tills, offering the flexibility to accommodate both modes of service, aligning with Co-op’s commitment to investing in physical store locations.
Moreover, Co-op has announced plans to open 18 new or revamped stores in the first quarter of 2026. The inaugural store of the year is situated in Willowbrook Park, Didcot, Oxfordshire, within a new residential development. Several stores, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchise-operated site in Ealing, London, will also reopen after renovations.
According to Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, the focus remains on creating local stores that serve as community hubs, offering quality products, value, and enticing promotions for shoppers. The company is committed to expanding its presence across the UK, with a proactive store opening strategy for 2026.
Additionally, Co-op has unveiled plans to establish numerous new apprenticeships in the coming years. With a £70 million investment through its Levy Share service, Co-op aims to create 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030, contributing to workforce development.
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