Co-op admits unlawfully blocking rival store openings

Published On Mar 5, 2025, 6:50 AM

The Co-op has been found to have breached competition rules over 100 times by preventing rival supermarkets from opening nearby. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) discovered that Co-op's actions restrict competition and limit consumer choice, leading to higher prices. A spokesperson from Co-op acknowledged the breaches and stated that they have taken corrective action. Despite this situation, the Co-op's breaches represent less than 2% of its total transactions across nearly 2400 stores in the UK. The CMA has expressed concerns regarding the impact of such restrictive agreements on shoppers, especially in areas with limited grocery options.