A supermarket with more than 2,500 UK stores is permanently closing one of its branches on Sunday. The Co-op store building in HeadingtonOxford, will be demolished alongside a Post Office that closed four days earlier.
Today, Saturday, January 3, the Co-op branch will close forever, bringing 134 years of trading to an end. Both the Co-Op and the Post Office will be knocked down and replaced with laboratories, following a planning application being given the green light. Labor MP for Oxford East Annaliese Dodds said: “Although sadly the Co-op branch will be closing its doors on January 3, 2026, the Post Office has received interest in a new post office branch nearby.
“I will keep pushing them to act quickly to maintain these vital services in the heart of Headington, and will post updates as soon as I receive them.”
In October, the supermarket revealed that as many as 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs could disappear from the high street, according to its own research.
It said: “Co-op's 6.9 million members are clear: they want thriving local shops, safer high streets and stronger communities. The On Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign responds to this mandate. Insight from Co-op's Big Survey shows 67% believe their high street is dying, 78% say it's worse than five years ago, and 83% see it as vital to community wellbeing. Members are calling for more independent shops. and community spaces—proof that protecting local retail is about identity and belonging, not just economics.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “As we approach a critical autumn Budget, there's a real danger that the voices of small shops – and the communities they serve – are not being heard. Local shops aren't just businesses; they're part of the social fabric of Britain. For some, a visit to a local store is one of the few chances they have to chat to someone and feel connected.
“This research shows a clear public mandate for action. Regardless of how they vote, the majority of people want the government to do more to protect their high streets. This is an opportunity for the government to really prove to people that they will do what it takes to make a difference to people's communities and to their well-being.
“The proposed system would improve the financial situation of 99% of retailers. How much they are protected from tax rises depends on decisions made in this Budget. To boost local economies, create jobs and provide community cohesion, we need inclusive growth. That means supporting the businesses on the corners, in the precincts, on the parades and the high streets of every community. In order for them to not only survive, but to thrive, the Government has to commit to the maximum levels of relief.”
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “In the last year alone, business rates bills for convenience stores have increased by over £100m. These essential local shops are now facing significant further increases with the expected reduction of the 40% Retail and Hospitality Relief, coupled with next April's revaluation, unless the Government commits to the full use of new powers to introduce a permanently lower multiplier for local shops.”