Co-op will deploy headset technology across over 2,300 UK stores in a new five-year partnership with VoCoVo to improve colleague safety, simplify day-to-day operations and enhance CX.

Co-op will leverage the headset solution to keep colleagues connected at all times, promoting safety and streamlining communication across the shop floor.

By enabling instant interaction between stores and Co-op’s Support Centre, its teams can respond more quickly to customer needs, from answering enquiries to checking stock availability or managing parcel collections and online orders.

The headsets will also form a key part of Co-op’s investment in colleague safety, which remains a top priority for the retailer, which said it had seen a fall in retail crime last year. This follows a similar picture in recent ONS figures, which reported a dip in overall theft offences of -6% for the year-ending Sep 2025.

“As a convenience retailer, we are always exploring new and innovative ways to make improvements to the way we work and to make shopping quicker and easier for customers,” said David Tyas, Head of Retail Support Centre & Innovation at Co-op.

Tyas added that the headset solution was helping to “simplify everyday tasks for colleagues, strengthen communication and support a safe and enjoyable shopping environment.”

“Convenience retail plays a vital role in communities, serving as a central hub for local shoppers.” Martin Smethurst, CCO at VoCoVo, commented. “We are proud to be supporting Co-op and helping to deliver seamless and exceptional experiences for customers.” 

Following a successful pilot across 114 stores, the full rollout of the headset solution started last month as part of the retailer’s long-term investment into in-store tech. The deployment is expected to be completed next year.