Co-op 'rings in changes' to its stores with new ‘flexi checkouts’ ensuring all till-points are ‘open all hours’
18 February 2026
In a national grocery retailer first, Co-op is ringing in the changes in store with the introduction of innovative new ‘flexi checkouts’ with dual screens which can be operated by cashiers or become a self-service till – enhancing customer choice and convenience by ensuring all till points are ‘open all hours’.
Co-op is committed to investing in Britain’s high streets and communities, and with ease and speed important to many customers in a convenience setting – especially at busier times of the day – the bespoke new technology is being rolled out to 150 of its stores by April.
Successful trials show the innovative new checkouts can further enhance the customer experience by ensuring all tills are open at all times, a move that not only reduces wait times and queues but also enables colleagues front-of-shop to greet, engage and assist more customers and help with any enquiries.
The easy-to-use digital screens clearly show customers their price savings, deals and promotions - including the benefits of membership. The new checkouts also retain the traditional cashier service functionality for kiosk only purchases or, for shoppers who prefer to be served by a friendly face in their community.
The digital screens also have future capability, from supporting parcel collection services to adding to the growing Co-op Media Network, further strengthening its standing as the UK’s largest and most prominent media owner in the convenience sector.
David Tyas, Co-op’s Head of Operations Support Centre and Innovation, said: “We’re focussed on creating stores which contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities, We know that many customers enjoy engaging with our friendly colleagues in store, while for others a quick transaction is key, and so our latest checkout technology replaces our existing tills with the added flexibility to do both – supporting our commitment to our physical store estate in high streets and communities as we continually invest and innovate to create additional customer choice, meet the needs of our customers and, provide an enjoyable shopping experiences for all.”
The new checkouts are supplied by Diebold Nixdorf, with the bespoke new software built in-house by Co-op’s own technology teams.
As part of Co-op’s commitment to high streets, last month also saw Co-op confirm 18 stores would open in the first quarter of 2026, a figure which includes new stores and stores re-opening following transformative investment.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years.
For more information about the benefits of Co-op Membership visit www.coop.co.uk/membership.
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Editor notes:
For press/journalist enquiries:
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