Coronation Street unveils Weatherfield's new addition - but it's not a new character

Fans of the ITV soap will have become used to the comings and goings of residents on the famous street but now there's a new addition - but it's not a new character

Coronation Street has revealed a new addition to Weatherfield, but it's not a character. The ITV soap's fans are accustomed to the ebb and flow of residents on the renowned street.

However, ITV has now officially given a sneak peek at the brand new Sainsbury's and Argos store facade on Victoria Street. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that characters like Tyrone Dobbs and Gail Platt would no longer be able to do a quick shop at the Co-Op.

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

However, Co-Op has since become the last shop to close down due to a new product placement partnership as part of Argos renewing its headline sponsorship of Coronation Street. The store has been hidden on-screen behind hoardings since July.

Following its 'opening', it will become operational on-screen and visible to viewers from Monday night's episode (September 23). This also means that Sainsbury's bags for life and products will be integrated into 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 Coronation Street: "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, MD of Continuing Drama, shared his enthusiasm for the 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, spoke about 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 the previous departure of Costa Coffee from Weatherfield in 2021, which was replaced by the phone shop EE, and mentions that Corrie viewers would have noticed that it has now been swapped for travel agents Hays Travel.