New Sainsbury's and Argos store opens on Coronation Street

Coronation Street has unveiled its newest addition to the ITV soap, and it's not a new resident

Coronation Street has introduced a new addition to Weatherfield, but it's not a fresh face. Regular viewers of the ITV soap are accustomed to the frequent arrivals and departures of characters on the iconic street.

However, ITV has now given fans their first glimpse at the brand-new Sainsbury's and Argos storefront on Victoria Street. Earlier this year, it was announced that familiar characters like Tyrone Dobbs and Gail Platt would no longer be able to nip into the Co-Op for a quick shop.

The retail chain initially made its debut on the cobbles in 2018, alongside Costa Coffee. Not only did these companies have shop fronts on the Salford-based set, but they were also permitted to display their logos on other items such as posters, bags, and cups.

However, Co-Op has since become the latest store to close its doors following a new product placement partnership, which came about as part of Argos renewing its headline sponsorship of Coronation Street.

The store has been hidden from view on-screen behind hoardings since July. After its 'opening', it will become operational on-screen and visible to viewers from Monday night's episode (September 23), reports the Manchester Evening News.

This also means that Sainsbury's bags for life and products will become a regular feature in the daily lives of the on-screen families and residents of Weatherfield.

Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, expressed her excitement about the integration with the show: "We're looking forward to watching the Coronation Street cast walk the legendary cobbles into our newest Sainsbury's Local store. We know our customers have been eagerly waiting to spot the new store and we're thrilled that everyone's favourite characters, from Ken Barlow to Chesney Brown, can now pick up some groceries or Argos orders quickly and easily on The Street! ".

John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership: "It's always exciting to welcome a new name to the cobbles, be it cast, crew or a partnering brand. Sainsbury's and Argos are synonymous with streets across the UK and it is great to finally welcome their fabulous shopfront to the most famous of them all, Coronation Street."

Mark Trinder, ITV Director of Commercial Sales and Partnerships, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: "It's a hugely exciting moment for the store to become part of the famous cobbles and the culmination of a lot of hard work, creativity and collaboration between brands as part of Argos and Sainsbury's continuing support of the country's most-watched soap."

The article also notes a previous brand change on the set, stating that Costa Coffee departed Weatherfield in 2021, replaced by the phone shop EE, and now viewers have noticed a new switch to the travel agents Hays Travel.