OurCoop unveils MediaCoop – a new way for partners to connect products, people and everyday moments
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 09/02/2026
- MediaCoop gives brands, suppliers and partners a joined-up way to connect with customers across OurCoop’s family of businesses, starting with over 500 FoodCoop stores.
OurCoop has unveiled MediaCoop, a new partner proposition designed to connect product awareness with real category demand across a truly national, multi-business co-operative estate.
Formed through the coming together of Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star, OurCoop represents nearly £2 billion in annual sales, more than one million Members and around 13,000 colleagues, serving communities through a unique family of businesses built around everyday life and the moments that matter most.
Created in partnership with GIG Retail, MediaCoop gives brands, suppliers and partners a single, joined-up way to engage customers across that family of businesses, starting with over 500 FoodCoop stores and expanding over time across food, early years, travel, utilities and everyday essentials.
MediaCoop goes beyond traditional in-store tactics or advertising space. It connects the commercial opportunity of a family of businesses, enabling partners to show up in the right places, at the right moments, in ways that feel relevant, useful and genuinely helpful to customers. Opportunities range from in-store environments and digital touchpoints to community-led activations such as bike repair stations, early years settings, customer facilities, events and app-based engagement.
Designed to be fast, flexible and insight-led, MediaCoop aligns supplier objectives with clearly defined missions, using data and insight to match products with the right audiences, locations and moments. Activity will be shaped around both micro and macro seasonal opportunities and cultural events, including a major focus on the summer of sport in 2026, alongside family life, wellbeing and everyday needs.
By connecting insight, scale and community presence, MediaCoop is intended to support a range of partner outcomes, from increasing footfall and driving volume to building brands in ways that are trusted and relevant within local communities.
Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of OurCoop, said: “MediaCoop is one of the most exciting opportunities we can offer as a new Society, because it brings together two things we are known for, our scale and the trust we earn in communities week in, week out.
“It gives brands and partners a joined-up way to connect with customers across our family of businesses, starting with FoodCoop and growing from there across everyday life.
“This is about working beyond the shelf. It’s not just about space or screens, but about showing up in the right places, at the right moments, in ways that connect product awareness with real customer needs. Our ambition is to move quickly, stay flexible and work closely with partners to deliver activity that drives commercial results while creating long-term shared value.”
MediaCoop is launching as a limited opportunity, aligned with the start of the new OurCoop Society. Details were unveiled at Destination 27, an event supporting the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
For more information, visit https://gigretail.co.uk/coop-contact-page
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