Local school children open OurCoop’s first new store in Wavendon
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 13/02/2026
A brand-new community food store has opened its doors in Wavendon, marking the first new store opening for OurCoop, the UK’s newest and largest independent co-operative society.
The store was officially opened by local schoolchildren from Glebe Farm School who cut the ribbon and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour, putting the community firmly at the heart of the launch.
The new OurCoop store has been designed with sustainability, convenience and community use in mind. Solar panels are installed across the site to help reduce energy use, while bird and bat boxes have been added to support local wildlife. A striking internal wall graphic celebrates the co-operative’s values and connection to the local area.
Outside, customers will find a community garden and seating area, creating a welcoming space for people to meet, rest and spend time together.
The site also features four rapid electric vehicle charging spaces, delivered in partnership with Zest, supporting the transition to cleaner transport for local residents and visitors.
Sustomers can enjoy a wide range of modern services, including:
- InPost lockers
- Cycle repair station
- Costa Coffee
- Cook food range
- Customer toilet and baby changing facilities
- Free water refill station
- Defibrillator
- Free Wi-Fi
To celebrate opening day, the first 50 customers took part in a golden ticket raffle, winning a range of prizes, as well as the chance to win a £1,000 Co-op Holidays voucher.
Simon Smith, Head of Commercial and Format Development at OurCoop, said: “Opening our first new stores as a newly formed society is a hugely important moment for OurCoop, and we’re proud that Wavendon is part of that story. This store has been designed not just as a place to shop, but as a space that supports the community, reduces environmental impact and offers practical services people value every day.”
To mark Valentine’s Day, OurCoop is also running a Scan to Win competition to win a Paris City Break for two. Until the 28th of February 2026, members who spend £30 or more in store and scan their membership card or app will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of two Paris city breaks, each worth up to £2,000. Every qualifying spend counts as an entry, giving members more chances to win while shopping locally.
The store also features a carefully curated food range, including GSN, a market-leading health food brand specialising in high-protein, whole-food products. Alongside this, customers can shop the popular COOK range, known for its frozen ready meals made with fresh ingredients and a homemade taste, offering high-quality, convenient options for individuals and families.
OurCoop is a member-owned co-operative society, created by bringing together three established co-operatives - Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative - to create greater impact for members, colleagues and communities.
By becoming a member, local people can access exclusive offers and rewards, while also playing a part in shaping how their local co-operative operates. More information is available at www.members.coop.
ENDS
For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk
Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004