Yahoo News Coronation Street reveals new arrival after announcing 'farewell'
Coronation Street has revealed a new arrival after recently announcing 'farewell' - but it may not be what fans think. The ITV soap has confirmed its new addition but it's not of the human kind. ASDA
Last month it was revealed that the street's residents will no longer be able to pop into the Co-Op to do a quick shop. The retail chain first appeared on the cobbles in 2018 alongside Costa Coffee and as well as having shop fronts on the Salford-based set, the two companies were also able to feature their logos on other assets such as posters, bags and cups.
Costa Coffee left Weatherfield back in 2021 and was replaced with the phone shop EE. However, Corrie viewers will have recently noticed that it's again been swapped for travel agents Hays Travel. Co-Op has since become the last shop to shut up shop with Corrie taking to Instagram to reveal the news.
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They said at the time "#AD After six incredible years, @coopuk and Coronation Street are parting ways. Since 2018, the Weatherfield Co-op has been a staple on the street. Together, we've brought to life some of the most iconic Corrie products and into the hands of Co-op Members and customers - from Roy's Rolls to Betty's Hotpot to The Kabin cupcakes and R Ale. As this era draws to a close, it's time to bid a fond farewell and reflect on what has been a truly brilliant journey. Thanks for the memories."
But its replacement has now been revealed. Argos and ITV confirmed on Monday (April 15) the renewal of the retailer’s successful Coronation Street headline sponsorship deal. In addition, a brand new Sainsbury’s and Argos store facade is being added to the famous cobbles.
After three years of engaging sponsorship, the retailer is both continuing its deal with the nation’s much-loved and world-renowned soap, for an additional two years up to December 2026 and continuing its extensive package which includes licensing, digital and social activation, as well as broadcast.
Introducing new product placement activity, Argos - as part of a Sainsbury’s store - will take up residence on Victoria Street. Sainsbury’s bags for life and products will be woven into the day-to-day lives of the on-screen families and residents of Weatherfield.
The retailer remains only the fourth-ever headline sponsor of the country’s most-watched soap, which boasts more than 60 years on air and across ITV1 and ITVX reaches 7 million viewers a week and has been streamed over 43 million times this year.
Viewers will first see the change from July 2024 when the hoardings will be installed while the new store is finished. The store will be operational on screen in the coming months.
Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, said: “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. With over 800 Sainsbury’s convenience stores across the country, we continue to make it really easy for customers to run in for a pint of milk as well as pick up a last-minute birthday gift from Argos. 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 said: “We are proud and excited to be continuing and expanding the relationship between two of the nation’s most loved and recognised brands. In a world where context, creativity and engagement can sometimes suffer, this partnership delivers on all. This has been a detailed and collaborative renewal process for which I’m grateful to the many ITV teams, PHD/Drum and of course to Argos and Sainsbury’s for their approval and ongoing support.”
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, and Head of ITV in the North, added: "We've enjoyed a fantastically successful partnership with Argos over the past three years. So we're excited to see this continue and grow with the Brand getting to have some fun with us by bringing a Sainsbury's and Argos store into the heart of Weatherfield. It'll be the talk of The Street what's going on behind those hoardings, I'm sure."
