Co-op is set to introduce innovative “flexi checkouts” aimed at reducing wait times for customers in its stores.
The new smart tills can seamlessly switch between self-service and cashier-operated modes based on customer preference. Co-op’s goal is to enhance convenience and decrease queue times for shoppers.
Supplied by American retail tech company Diebold Nixdorf, these checkouts will be installed in 150 Co-op stores by April. In addition to the flexibility of switching modes, the screens will display price savings, promotions, and may eventually facilitate parcel collections. Co-op claims to be the first supermarket in the UK to implement this technology.
David Tyas, Co-op’s head of operations, support center, and innovation, stated, “We are dedicated to establishing local stores that integrate with the community and effectively cater to their needs. Our latest checkout technology offers the versatility of both self-service and staffed counters, demonstrating our commitment to investing in our physical store presence to provide enjoyable shopping experiences for all.”
Following this announcement, Co-op plans to open 18 new or upgraded stores in the first quarter of 2026. The inaugural store of the year 2026 is situated in Willowbrook Park, Didcot, Oxfordshire, a new residential development.
Moreover, some existing stores will undergo renovations and reopen, including the convenience store in Eastern Green, Coventry, and a franchised outlet in Ealing, London. Kate McCrae, Co-op’s Operations Director, emphasized the company’s focus on quality products, value for customers, and community contribution through local stores.
Co-op has also committed to creating thousands of new apprenticeships in the coming years, with plans to establish 7,000 matched apprenticeships by 2030 through a £70 million investment via its Levy Share service. This initiative aims to further enhance Co-op’s presence in various high streets and communities across the UK.