Co-op has signed a new five-year partnership with retail communications supplier VoCoVo, extending the use of VoCoVo's Series 5 Pro headsets across its UK convenience estate.
The deal covers a rollout of S5 Pro headsets to more than 2,300 Co-op stores nationwide. Co-op has worked with VoCoVo since 2017 and is replacing its existing devices as part of a longer-term programme of in-store technology investment.
The wider deployment follows a pilot across 114 stores. The pilot has been completed, the full rollout began in February 2026, and Co-op expects the replacement programme to finish next year.
Store operations
Co-op uses headsets as an internal communications tool for colleagues on the shop floor. Teams also use them to connect with central functions, including the Co-op Support Centre.
VoCoVo positions the S5 Pro as a headset built for retail teams, designed to improve colleague connectivity and support safety in stores as part of day-to-day operations.
Co-op highlighted faster responses to customers as a practical benefit of in-store communication. Colleagues can handle queries on the shop floor and call for assistance from other team members. Headsets are also used during stock checks, parcel collections and the handling of online orders.
Early feedback from colleagues involved in the trial found that almost nine in 10 preferred the new headset, citing comfort, usability and sound quality.
Safety focus
Safety remains a significant area of investment for grocers and convenience chains amid persistent levels of theft, abuse and other incidents. Co-op linked its headset strategy to that broader context, describing the technology as one part of a wider set of measures to help maintain safe store environments.
The retailer first introduced headsets in 2017, enabling shop-floor colleagues to contact other staff and connect with its security operations centre when needed.
Co-op said retail crime reduced in 2025, while reiterating that colleague safety remains a priority. It framed the S5 Pro rollout as building on its existing internal communications approach rather than a change of direction.
Supplier profile
Founded in 2011, VoCoVo develops voice communication technology for retail. It is headquartered in Oxford and has an additional base in Chicago. The company supplies retailers in more than 20 countries, including the UK, the US and across Europe.
Its product range includes headsets and call points. VoCoVo says its approach is shaped by retail team working patterns and focuses on interactions between staff and the wider store environment.
VoCoVo said it was ranked 50th in the 2025 Times Tech Track 100, which tracks the UK's fastest-growing private technology companies.
Retail scale
Co-op operates across several sectors, including food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. The group has more than 2,300 food stores and around 800 funeral homes, and runs a wholesale business supplying about 8,000 additional outlets.
Co-op reported 7 million active member-owners, annual revenues of more than GBP £11 billion, and a workforce of 53,000 colleagues.
The partnership comes as retailers continue to refresh store technology across estates with a high proportion of smaller-format locations. Convenience stores typically run lean staffing models and rely on fast communication between colleagues during peak periods.
David Tyas, Head of Retail Support Centre & Innovation at Co-op, said: "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 our customers. Following the trials, we are confident the S5 Pro Headsets will simplify everyday tasks for colleagues, strengthen communication and support our focus on ensuring a safe and enjoyable shopping environment for everybody, all while helping us deliver an even better experience for our members and customers".
Martin Smethurst, Chief Customer Officer at VoCoVo, said: "Convenience retail plays a vital role in communities, serving as a central hub for local shoppers. That's why we are proud to be supporting Co-op and helping to deliver seamless and exceptional experiences for customers. It's exciting to continue collaborating on new visions together to further enhance the colleague and customer experience."