Co-op opens its first 'On the Go' format store in Essex, located in Chelmsford High Street

19 December 2025

  • Co-op today (19.December 2025) unveils its newest ‘on the go’ format store
  • Its latest launch is in Chelmsford High Street, marking the convenience retailer’s first ‘on the go’ format store in Essex

Co-op

Co-op unveils its newest ‘on the go’ format store with its latest launch in Chelmsford High Street, it’s the convenience retailer’s first ‘on the go’ format store in Essex.

Focussed on serving breakfast, lunch and dinner ‘on the go’, the store includes a hot food serve-over counter, coffee, pastries, pizza and, deli-inspired selections alongside its traditional meal deals.

The Chelmsford store is the fifth of Co-op’s new concept stores to launch, with a focus on vibrant, high foot-flow locations.

At 850 sq ft the store differs to Co-op's traditional convenience store format, evolving Co-op’s convenience expertise and taking cues from around the world to meet consumer demand for fast high quality meals 'on-the-go' throughout the day.

Co-op

Between 7am-7pm the doors of the new Chelmsford store are open to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with quick and convenient online delivery also available - including Co-op’s Irresistible Pizzas cooked and delivered to homes and offices in the community in minutes via Co-op’s quick commerce partners Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

Shoppers can simply pop in for a Costa Coffee, hot baguette, buttermilk chicken tenders or wholesome protein pots for a quick hot lunch on the go. Extensive new product development exclusive to the format includes all day breakfast meal pots, berry burst bircher and, apple and cinnamon overnight oats. For lunch, a new deli-selection will serve offerings such as smoked salmon, egg and spinach pots; sweet potato bhaji wrap; falafel and houmous salad bowls; chicken, bacon and avocado caesar wrap and, tomato, mozzarella & pesto focaccia bagels.

Seating is available with phone charging points, and the store also includes hot noodles, bakery goods, pastries and a small range of ‘daily essentials’ including fresh fruit, tea, coffee and bread.

Co-op members can save more, including member price savings on Co-op’s meal deal.

Giulio Divaira, Co-op Area Operations Manager, said: “The whole team is excited to launch our new concept store in Chelmsford where we are really looking forward to being part of the vibrant High Street community and, welcoming members and customers into their new Co-op store. Differing to our traditional convenience stores, whether working, shopping or socialising in the high street area, our new store is focussed on offering great quality breakfast, lunch or dinner on-the-go.”

Gary Williams, Co-op Director of Store Optimisation, said: “We are delighted to grow our ‘on-the-go’ concept with the unveiling of our latest ‘On the Go’ store in Chelmsford. Our new concept brings together an innovative blend of food-to-go propositions, with freshly prepared products designed to stand out in the high street and serve vibrant and thriving High Street communities.. Catering to ‘on-the-go’ meals throughout the day you will find delicious products, quick service, great quality and value, and all in a great convenient location, as we continually look for new ways to get closer to our members and customers and, deliver added convenience.”

Co-op is committed to backing British High Streets, and the new store format joins Co-op’s traditional convenience stores across the UK – it is one of 50 new or refurbished stores Co-op revealed it would open in November and December before Christmas.

The latest ‘on the go’ store - Co-op's first in Essex - follows recent launches in Kingston upon Thames; Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter; Aylesbury and, in Solihull High Street – which was a UK grocery retailer first.

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities - including personalised offers, deals, promotions and, member price savings. Co-op's 7m members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership, and being a member-owner, is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership

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Further information:

Andrew Torr, Lead Press Officer, Co-op Group.
t: +44 (0) 7702 505 551
e: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk

e:pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op
Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by 7 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.