Co-op plans new food stores in Bristol and Plymouth

The Co-op plans to open 100 new food stores around the UK in 2018, including in Bristol and Plymouth creating around 1,600 jobs.

More than 20 new stores will open in London, up to 18 in Scotland, 10 in Wales and others in English cities.

The retailer will invest more than £160 million in the venture, as well as giving "major makeovers" to a further 150 outlets.

The news follows the announcement of an agreement for the Co-op to become the exclusive wholesale supplier to the 2,200 Costcutter Group stores, and the deal to buy Nisa Retail, which is conditional on Competition and Markets Authority approval.

Stuart Hookins, Co-op's director of portfolio and development, said: "The Co-op's extensive acquisitions and refit programme is a fundamental part of our food strategy."Moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, our expansion plans for 2018 will mean that the Co-op is on track to have opened at least 100 new stores in each of three consecutive years.

"With over one million new active members joining us in the last year, we are always looking for new locations to get closer to where our members and customers live and work and to meet their shopping needs conveniently."