Co-op’s new test and learn showcase store to demonstrate sustainability practices in action

21 August 2025

Co-op has launched a new concept store to highlight and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to responsible retailing and sustainability in the convenience sector.

The UK’s leading convenience retailer is introducing its new sustainability showcase store – located in Soham, East Cambridgeshire – to communicate all the positive initiatives, that often go unnoticed behind the scenes, to its members and customers – from motion activated fridge lights and support for local biodiversity to live energy consumption data displayed on digital screens and solar panels on the roof.

Additionally, this store will be utilised as a ‘test, learn and adopt’ environment allowing the consumer co-operative to trial new sustainability technologies and processes, and then carry successful measures into future new stores and refits across its estate at scale.

Shoppers in Co-op’s showcase store will notice a new look and feel with branding and signage that communicates how the retailer has implemented sustainable practices into the convenience space.

Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said: “Co-op’s sustainability agenda is driven heavily by our member-owners, it’s a topic that they are passionate about and one they use their voices for to ensure that we as a business are doing the right thing for the planet.

“Our showcase store demonstrates our sustainability efforts in action, through easy to digest in-store communications that inform our members and shoppers on the impactful changes we are making in our convenience stores to help us on the important journey to net-zero.

“The fact that this store will allow for us to trial new initiatives in the sustainability space is a real game-changer and, in a the true spirt of co-operation, it’s our ambition to share these technological insights and best practices with the wider retail industry.”

Additionally, the store’s back of house areas will have further signage and call outs to the sustainable changes that have been actioned for Co-op colleagues, from energy-saving fixtures and fittings to recycling initiatives.

Co-op has committed to reaching net zero across its operations by 2035 and entire business by 2040. In March 2024, Co-op became one of the first UK convenience retailer to have its net zero targets validated by the globally-recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its updated Climate Action Plan, Co-op further committed to sourcing renewable energy via corporate PPAs and investing in supporting suppliers and producers to reduce absolute carbon emissions.

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