Co-op Retail Conference 2026

Co-op Retail Conference is the UK’s only annual event built around the needs of consumer-owned retail societies, bringing together senior leaders, boards and management teams to share insight, tackle common challenges and shape what comes next for co‑operative retail. 

This year, Co-op Retail Conference took place from 19-21 March in Glasgow – proudly sponsored by Lobyco. 

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What happened at Co-op Retail Conference 2026?

Welcome

Rose Marley (Co-operatives UK), Jesper Tofte Søegaard (Lobyco – Main Sponsor), Cllr Malcolm Mitchell (Glasgow City Council)

Outlook for UK retail: Trends, forecasts and what competitors are doing next

Graham McClean (IGD – Institute of Grocery Distribution)

Each year, IGD brings the clearest read on the market: shopper behaviour, macro pressures, channel forecasts, and the strategic moves shaping the competitive landscape.

Graham returned with an essential, fast-paced briefing on the opportunities and threats ahead, plus practical implications for co‑operative retailers: where growth is likely to come from, what value means for shoppers now, and how innovation and operating models are evolving across the sector.

New horizons: Co-operation for a modern UK retail environment

Debbie Robinson (OurCoop), Martin Rogers (Co-op Group) and Ben Stimson (Southern Co-op). Hosted by Rose Marley (Co-operatives UK).

The session that sets the tone for the whole conference. Co-operative retail is in a defining moment, with major societies reshaping for scale and resilience. Central Co‑op and Midcounties Co‑operative agreed a landmark merger, while Chelmsford Star approved a transfer of engagements to Central Co-op, reflecting a historic period of consolidation within the last 12 months, which has created OurCoop.

We heard from Debbie Robinson (OurCoop), Martin Rogers (Co-op Group) and Ben Stimson (Southern Co-op) for a candid conversation on what comes next. We heard about growth, investment and modernisation, the role of campaigning and member value at national scale, and how societies can stay distinctive and competitive in a fast-changing retail landscape. With Ben stepping into the CEO role, we heard fresh perspectives on leadership priorities as well.

This discussion also focussed on what co-operation looks like in practice right now, including: practical steps to strengthen co-operation across independent societies and Co‑op Group, future reputational opportunities and threats for the wider movement, and collective approaches to governance, business continuity and resilience that help co-operative retail stay strong through change.

Personalisation and engagement: An international perspective

Anders Felbo Pold (Coop Denmark) and Piero Ingrosso (Fondazione Pico – Coopfond Legacoop). Hosted by Rebecca Harvey (Co-op News)

The panel of representatives from leading European co‑operatives, will discuss the opportunities for retailers in the acceleration of the personalisation experience, leveraging AI, Data, technology and gamification to drive customer loyalty.

With video contributions from Gabriele Tubertini (Coop Italia), Lukas Nemcik (Skupina Coop) and Renata Petovska (Jednorta Coop).

Fireside chat: Purpose in practice – turning values into advantage

Purpose is no longer a nice‑to‑have, but few organisations use it to genuinely stand out. This panel brings together leaders from purpose‑driven organisations beyond retail who use their ownership models, ethics and long-term commitments to differentiate how they operate, grow and build trust.

Through a candid conversation between Becky Willan (Given - part of Anthesis Group) and Jessie Macneil-Brown (Ben & Jerry's) we’ll explore how purpose shows up in real decisions, where it’s being tested, and how organisations make it visible to customers, members and communities.

From the proof points that build credibility, to the storytelling that turns values into added reasons to buy, you’ll leave with practical insight on how purpose becomes a source of relevance, loyalty and lasting impact.

Fair finance at scale: Credit unions and the power of co-op retail

Hosted by Kirsty Wark (journalist and broadcaster). In conversation with Matt Bland (ABCUL), Claire Blackburn (Glasgow Credit Union) and Jo Phillips (Nest Insight.

Credit unions are a great way for people to save regularly, borrow fairly, and keep money circulating locally.

In a context where millions of people have little or no savings to fall back on, co‑op retailers sit on a huge opportunity: not just supporting colleagues through workplace payroll saving, but using their membership reach to help normalise credit unions as a trusted, ethical option for everyday saving and lending.

Join Matt and Claire as they explore what practical partnership can look like, from workplace salary‑deduction saving to member‑facing initiatives and creative new products.

Keynote from the Co‑operative Party

A keynote from Paul Sweeney MSP, followed by an update from Co-operative Party General Secretary, Joe Fortune.

Co‑operative education: New horizons, new opportunities

As the Co‑operative College evolves its model, we came together to discuss what the needs are for the sector - and how they can be met. It was an interactive session featuring presentations and workshops to explore serious subjects and tangible next steps around issues including higher education provision, co‑operative apprenticeships and school curriculums.