Co-op creates 500 jobs by opening up four stores a week ahead of Christmas

The Co-op has opened four new stores a week on average in the run-up to Christmas.

Two sites opening this Friday mean the supermarket chain has added 30 since the start of November, creating 500 jobs.

It boosted openings to cash in on the festive rush and has cut the ribbon on 100 new shops in 2019, to give it a total of 2,600.

It comes as some high street chains shut branches – with Mothercare closing all 79 sites.

The Mirror’s Have a Happy High Street Christmas campaign is urging support for local shops.

Store Manager Paul Murray is joined by colleagues and children from Ashcroft Infant and Nursery School to cut the ribbon at Tamworth (Tamworth Herald)

A new shop is opened in Galston (Kilmarnock Standard)

The Co-op’s Stuart Hookins said: “Our focus is on selecting the right location to deliver what members and customers want, need and care about, conveniently.” The firm’s sales grew 3.6% to £1.7billion in the 12 weeks to the start of December.

That eclipsed the Big Four of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons but trailed discount chains Aldi and Lidl – notching 6.2% and 9.3% respectively.