The Co-op on your corner? You own it

Late last year, members came together at pop-up and local Co-op events across the country to share what matters most to them. Over tastings and activities, you told your Council Members and Member Activators what was working well, where improvements were needed, and how your Co-op could better support you and your local communities.

We listened — and we took action.

Members at our city centre pop-up events in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast told us that locally sourced products and availability of essentials were key priorities. Using your ideas and comments, your National Members’ Council is asking the Co-op Board to introduce a Member Essentials Basket, which will guarantee great prices on your most-bought basics in all Co-op stores, all the time. It has also asked for a Best of British Showcase of products in our stores, with opportunities for members to influence what we sell and source locally as part of this.

These asks are part of motions, which shape the big things Co-op works on, for our 2026 AGM. If you’re eligible to vote on them, we’ll invite you to make your voice count from 13 April-11 May, so please keep an eye on your inbox, app or post and be part of how we make a difference in the next 12 months.

Around the UK, on your corner

Members told us they were concerned about anti-social behaviour in and around some of their stores. Following this feedback, anti-social behaviour incidents were assessed in Rochdale, Cleethorpes, Bromley and Crawley. At the Whitleigh Green store in Plymouth, a light has been installed at the entrance to help colleagues, members and customers have a safer shopping experience. Elsewhere, store managers were supported with the processes for raising issues and working closely with local policing teams.

In Eyemouth, Kelso, Malmesbury and Waterloo, members told us they wanted their store’s community noticeboard to be better maintained to know more about what Co-op is doing in their community. Store managers have worked hard since the new year to refresh the noticeboards and ensure that current local causes and community information is accessible.

We also heard from members who wanted Click & Collect to be introduced, including in lifeline stores such as the Isle of Barra. Click & Collect is now being rolled out to all our stores across 2026 to make shopping with Co-op as convenient as possible wherever you are.

And members in Butneys, Basildon told us that leak damage to the ceiling inside the store was affecting their shopping experience. As a result, the issue was escalated with the local council who have now started remedial works.

Jack, the Member Activator who ran the event in Basildon, and Naomh, who ran an event in Fulbourn, have shared a bit more about what’s been happening in those stores and communities since those events.

You said, we did in Basildon

Jack spoke with more than 40 member owners about where they live and how Co-op could help members feel more involved in shaping the products available in store.

What members said

Members shared that they wanted:

• Greater support for community safety
• Stronger connections with local groups
• More opportunities to influence what’s on their shelves

What happened next

Working alongside one of the local Co-op Funeral Directors and the Butneys Store Manager, Jack helped build new connections with local organisations. These relationships have now developed into a community noticeboard in the food store, promoting local services and food bank collection points. The funeral home is exploring a school uniform collection point too.

In addition to the above, the Butneys store has signed up to an initiative with Essex Police to report crime more effectively and the local Council Community Safety Team and Jack are working together on having a presence and resources in store to help members and customers feel safer in the area and at home.

Members also shared that they would value the chance to sample products before buying. Acting on this, Jack returned to the Butneys store to run a Christmas sampling event. Over 30 members took part, with many buying the products they’d tried. Some even recognised Jack from the previous event and were pleased to see that their feedback had been listened to and acted on.

You said, we did in Fulbourn

Naomh spoke with Co-op Members outside the Fulbourn Co-op about what they love about their community and what they’d like to improve.

Two Co-op Members — one representing local charity, Wrights Clock Land CIC, and another working in the care sector — were keen to explore the same questions. Both had access to funding to support local projects, which led to collaboration on what is hoped will become a regular village forum.

What happened next

At The Six Bells Function Room, around 70 people attended the first forum. Naomh shared updates from Co-op, and attendees discussed ideas for strengthening community connections and supporting local projects.

As a thank you, Co-op Members received a free raffle ticket, with two lucky winners taking home boxes of Fairtrade Co-op treats.

The event brought together a mix of local community, arts, environmental, civic and youth groups, alongside local primary school children who confidently shared their ideas.

One teacher and Co-op Member reflected:

“The children were absolutely buzzing when they left. They’ve already got lots of ideas about what they’d like to do next — I’m sure this is the beginning of many new projects.”

Planning is already underway for future events, with a focus on working even more closely with store colleagues to keep building these local connections.

Why does making your voice count matter?

Every comment, question and suggestion helps us shape what happens next, making your Co-op stronger, fairer and more responsive to the communities it serves.

This is member ownership in action – it starts with you, and all comes back to you. Your Member Activators and Council Members will be hosting AGM Local Events around the UK on 16 May, where you can tune in to the latest from your Co-op, put questions to leaders, share your views on what you care about most and take part in our Members’ Discussion. Find out more and book your place at coop.co.uk/AGM.