UK convenience retailer The Co-operative Food has just opened its 110th new store this year – and it’s not done with the expansion plan yet.

The newest store has just opened at Shepherds Bush in central London.

“In the last 12 months we have carried out over 110 new store launches and over 250 store refits, investing millions in the estate,” said David Roberts, director of estates and services with the company.

“It’s comfortably the biggest store opening program the business has undertaken. We have a particular focus on London and the South East, which is an area that presents numerous exciting opportunities for expansion – and our plans address this.”

Roberts said next year’s plan would be even more ambitious: a further 120 stores will be added to the network within the next 12 months or so.

“The Co-operative Food has a clear and exciting vision which is to establish itself as the number one convenience store operator, providing a strong customer offer in communities across the UK. As part of this strategy our acquisitions and refit programme is fundamental to its success,” said Roberts.

“Whilst other retailers are scaling back their expansion plans or exiting the convenience sector, the Co-op continues to open new stores.”

Rob Bignold, head of acquisitions and new store development at the Co-operative, said the company is actively seeking freehold or leasehold sites, including existing businesses, across the UK.

“We are flexible in our requirements and offer quick decisions to agents, developers and owners.”