Coronation Street is set for a major revamp as the soap has inked a lucrative sponsorship deal, leading to significant changes on the set. Our aerial photos reveal that the Co-Op store, a fixture on Victoria Street for six years, has vanished from Weatherfield.
The ITV soap's new sponsorship agreement with Sainsbury's and Argos means these superstores will take over the current supermarket slot on the show. At present, work is in progress on the Salford set, where a boarded-up shop front now stands in place of the former Co-Op.
Posters adorning the boards feature the logos of Argos and Sainsbury's, accompanied by a 'Coming Soon' message. These alterations are expected to be visible on the soap from July onwards.
Argos, a subsidiary of retail behemoth Sainsbury's, initially entered into a sponsorship arrangement with the show in 2021. However, it was recently announced that this deal has been extended until 2026, which will see a Sainsburys and Argos storefront appearing on screen as part of the agreement.
This lucrative contract will also introduce other branding elements to Weatherfield, with locals likely to be seen carrying their Bag For Life during their grocery shopping trips.
Upon finalising the deal, Laura Boothby, Sainsbury's head of campaigns, stated: " Coronation Street is one of the country's most iconic TV shows which our customers know and love, so continuing our sponsorship made perfect sense."
"We hope the new store brings familiarness and fun to viewers watching from home and perhaps see Ken Barlow popping in to Click & Collect a new kettle!" Mark Trinder, ITV Director of Commercial Sales and Partnerships, added: "We are proud and excited to be continuing and expanding the relationship between two of the nation's most loved and recognised brands."
