My daughter works for this company and it's a very poor company. Gets bullied on a daily basis by her colleagues in a WhatsApp chat knowing that she can see this when speaking to heads of management,... See more
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I have been buying here since it was called Budget back in time I believe. Things ain't getting better at all. Very poor customer service. Awful prices for a company using a false flag such as suppo... See more
Helpful Service. My Father passed away whilst I was out of country. The Stourport-on-Severn Co-Op branch were assigned as funeral directors. The complication of being overseas added levels of complexi... See more
Company replied
Long queue for the only staffed checkout so I used a machine. It failed to recognise my membership card and didn't give the option for a receipt. When I pressed the "help" key, it took a long time f... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. We were formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values. We trade nationally through our family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Our footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. With over 500 food stores, alongside travel, Funeralcare, Early Years and mobile, energy and broadband businesses, OurCoop creates greater impact and opportunity for our colleagues, members and communities.
Contact info
Queens Road, WS13 6QD, Lichfield, United Kingdom
- 01543 414 140
- enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk
- centralengland.coop
2.5
Poor
40 reviews
Replied to 77% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 month
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
My daughter works for this company and…
My daughter works for this company and it's a very poor company. Gets bullied on a daily basis by her colleagues in a WhatsApp chat knowing that she can see this when speaking to heads of management, nothing is done about it. He doesn't even tell them to stop in the group chat. Just washes over it and carries on the conversation. Absolutely disgusting ! Suggest you look at your managers a bit closer. If they can't keep their stuff in line, how are they running your businesses .
January 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your comments. We take our colleagues’ wellbeing extremely seriously. To help us address these concerns, we would advise the colleague to raise this matter with our People team. This can be done confidentially. However, if you would like to contact us on the colleague’s behalf, please write to us @ peopleoperations@centralcoop.co.uk
Thank you
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Got scammed thanks to an email from the…
Got scammed thanks to an email from the central England co-op.
I rang them a week ago to explain what happend, but no response. So… here goes.
Their marketing email carries a link to install the app on android or iPhone. Now sometimes I walk to the shop and pay using apple pay - so don’t always have my membership card with me. So I thought if I had the app on my phone, I can get the normal prices rather than the insulting non-member prices (I blame Tesco club card for that, but I digress).
The link goes to bit.ly and validates the link for the Apple Store. However, bit.ly also carries google ads. I had an add appear that simply said “click here to install”.
I clicked there thinking it was the co-op app and then found out I had subscribed to a £49/month scam (silentpage). Sometimes the ad takes you to quicklearnx, £49/month, there may be others.
I reported to my c/c company and got a refund but the co-op don’t seem to think that their use of a 3rd party that allows google ads (and I have yet to see an honest google or faceache advert) is acceptable.
So disappointed that they have shown no concern over their allowing customers to be scammed.
Nice positive response from the Co-op and they have validated my findings. Shame that when I rang them and was told someone would call back, they didn’t and hence going public.
Still, good result.
November 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we’re very sorry to hear about your experience. We understand how frustrating this must have been.
We’ve looked into this with our IT and Security teams, and the issue was linked to the third-party service used to generate the download links. This service recently introduced an additional verification step that can display Google ads based on a user’s own browsing history. We have now removed these links from all emails to make sure this can’t happen again.
Thank you again for highlighting this, we appreciate you taking the time to let us know.
Take care,
Central Co-op
Helpful Service
Helpful Service. My Father passed away whilst I was out of country. The Stourport-on-Severn Co-Op branch were assigned as funeral directors. The complication of being overseas added levels of complexity. However a big thank you to Gemma (Stourport-on-Severn Branch) who helped me navigate the process. Super helpful. The ceremony ran smoothly. Thank you Gemma and team.
October 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for sharing such kind feedback.
We’re so pleased to hear that the team at our Stourport-on-Severn branch supported you so well during such a difficult time, especially with the added complexities of being overseas. It’s wonderful to know that Gemma’s guidance helped make the process smoother and that the ceremony ran just as you hoped.
Take care,
Central Co-op
The staff
The staff, are unhelpful to the point of being rude, its like a big social club for the staff, just little groups in conversation with each other, and if you ask a question you're treated like a unwanted interruption to their chatting!
Halesworth co-op
October 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Hi there,
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience at our Halesworth store. This is not the level of service we expect and we’ll address this with the store team straight away.
If you’re willing, we’d really appreciate a few details (date/time of visit and what happened) so we can look into this properly and follow up with you. Please email us at enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk
Take care,
Central Co-op
Fake Job Postings for Data Collection
Calling you out as you are currently posting job adverts for the purpose of solely collecting data and wasting applicants' time.
Dodgy. Unethical and disrespectful. Get your act together.
October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Hi there,
We’re sorry to read your review and to hear about your concerns regarding our job postings. We take this kind of feedback very seriously, as all our vacancies are genuine opportunities within Central Co-op.
If you’d like to share more details so we can look into this further, please get in touch with us directly at enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk.
Take care,
Central Co-op
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Very poor service
Long queue for the only staffed checkout so I used a machine. It failed to recognise my membership card and didn't give the option for a receipt. When I pressed the "help" key, it took a long time for a member of staff to attend, and they couldn't do anything other than say "Sorry". Need enough trained staff and checkouts, machines that work and staff who can help when they don't
September 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Hi there,
I’m really sorry for the delay in responding and for the experience you had in store. It’s disappointing to hear about the long queue and issues with the self-checkout and membership card, that’s certainly not the level of service we aim to provide, we’ll address this with the store team straight away.
If you’d like to talk about this further please get in touch with us at enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk
Take care,
Central Co-op
Dersingham Norfolk really expensive
Dersingham Norfolk really expensive, Gaviscon 24 pack mixed berries tabs £12.00 the official RRP is £8.00 I bought from Home Bargains £5.50. This is just one example of the high costs in this branch. They con you into thinking they have fair prices you have to watch out.
September 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Hi there,
I’m really sorry to hear your feedback and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We understand how important fair pricing is to our Members and customers, and we’re sorry you feel disappointed with the cost of products in our Dersingham store.
We regularly review our prices to ensure they remain competitive and offer good value for our members and customers. I’ll make sure your comments are passed on to our Commercial Team for review.
Take care,
Central Co-o
Food hygiene issue
I shop frequently at the central Coop store in Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, and buy freshly cooked breakfast pastries there at the weekend. Whenever I have seen the staff stacking the display they have been handling the pastries with bare hands. Surely this is contrary to food hygiene rules.
July 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Fleckney coop poor service long ques 1…
Fleckney coop poor service long ques 1 member of staff on the other staff just stacking shelfs Useless service .
July 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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They have so little on sale at the…
They have so little on sale at the Halesworth branch and there are loads of gaps where once there were products - and anything ‘fresh’ has silly sell by dates. A really lazy shop.
May 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re really sorry to hear about the issues you’ve encountered at our Halesworth branch.
Unfortunately, the reduced availability you’ve noticed is a result of a recent cyber attack on Co-op Group that has disrupted the distribution network we rely on for sourcing many of our products. This has affected stock levels, particularly for fresh items, and we understand how frustrating this must be.
Please rest assured we're working hard behind the scenes to restore normal service as quickly as possible. In the meantime, our stores remain open, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding while we put things right.
Take care,
Central Co-op
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the service and found the store layout to your liking. We work hard to create a pleasant shopping experience, and your kind words mean a lot to our team. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! Take care, Central Co-op.
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your feedback and are so pleased to hear that our Colleagues made a positive impression. Take care, Central Co-op.
Member of staff was really friendly and…
Member of staff was really friendly and very helpful and informative.
March 18, 2025
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that our Colleague was friendly, helpful, and informative. Providing compassionate and supportive service is always our goal, and we truly appreciate your feedback. Take care, Central Co-op.
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There was no one looking after the self…
There was no one looking after the self service they were all flashing red and it was a night mare in there
March 9, 2025
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about experiencing issues with our self-scanning checkouts. If you have any specific details you'd like to share about the problem, please email enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk, Thank you, Central Co-op
Friendly Corner Shop
Friendly corner shop experience, can be busy and congested as space is at a premium but the staff are always friendly and happy to help. I feel the self service area is a waste of space as most people still que for the tills.
February 27, 2025
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear that you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and helpful Colleagues at our store. We understand that space can sometimes feel a bit tight, especially when it's busy. We also appreciate your thoughts on the self-service area and your input is valuable. Take care, Central Co-op.
I have no problem with the stores
I have no problem with the stores. But their membership is a scam. Don’t fall for it. I spent a whole year gathering points in hopes I would get vouchers or balance after 6 months to use. I never got a voucher. Just saving up my points. And maybe a couple of discounts in store. I just checked! They reset my points! There goes my 2000+ points. I emailed central co-op before. They gave a really pathetic business jargon email explaining why they won’t be able to give me a balance after my points but me with my lack of knowledge and patience thought that I would be able to turn my points into balance eventually now I regret having a membership with them and I can’t use their loyalty card for any benefit of mine. You are better off using the loyalty card from the blue co-op because at least they give you a pound off or £3 off the products you normally buy.
March 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we’re really sorry to hear about your frustration with the membership and points system.
We’d be happy to investigate your specific case further and see how we can help. If you'd like to share more details about your query, please email enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk.
Thank you, Central Co-op.
I always have a problem with ur self…
I always have a problem with ur self pay machines.
March 4, 2025
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with our self-scanning checkouts. If you have any specific details you'd like to share about the problem, please email enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk, Thank you, Central Co-op.
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Loyalty card frustration
They never ask for your loyalty card (princess way, stretton). I travel and try to avoid co-op because I need a different local card to benefit whereas with other supermarkets it is one card covers all. I know it is about local charity but we are in the computer age... Work it out!
February 27, 2025
Reply from FoodCoop
We're sorry you're not happy with our Membership, we all operate as independent co-operative societies, so have different Membership schemes with different benefits. If you'd like to speak to one of our team, please email enquiries@centralcoop.co.uk, Thank you, Central Co-op.
Central Co-op and in particular Brendan…
Central Co-op and in particular Brendan at George James & Son have been so respectful, kind and helpful with all aspects of their service being excellent. Mums funeral was perfect and the entire family will always be extremely grateful.
January 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you so much for your heartfelt feedback. We are truly honoured to have been part of such an important moment for your family. We're glad to hear that Brendan and the team at George James & Son provided the respectful and caring service you needed. It's wonderful to know that your Mum's funeral was just as you hoped, and we deeply appreciate your kind words. Take care, Central Co-op
My mother in law Joan passed away…
My mother in law Joan passed away December 16th 2023 .The staff at the Buckminster road branch in Leicester were lovely , answering every question sensitively and with compassion . Nothing was too much trouble .The existing headstone was removed for the inclusion of Joan's details and cleaning by the Loughborough Co-op stone masons and although it took a little longer than expected the headstone was reinstalled yesterday and it looks beautiful . 5 Stars to all of the staff .
January 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from FoodCoop
Thank you for your feedback, we're glad to hear that our teams were able to support you. Take care, Central Co-op
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