New £500,000 Co-op store to open in Shrewsbury
A new half-a-million pound food store is to open its doors in Shrewsbury later this month.
The Co-op store on Shrewsbury Business Park has created 14 new jobs after a £515,000 investment by the group.
And the Wenlock Road store will throw open its doors to shoppers on Friday, November 11.
Today, store bosses said it will have a focus on fresh, healthy foods and meal ideas, with Costa coffee, customer car parking, an in-store bakery and hot food.
Stuart Carpenter, store manager, said: "We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in Shrewsbury.
"Opening the Co-op's newest food store is an exciting time for the whole team. Our aim is to establish the store as a local hub and we are looking forward to serving the community.
"The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum – delivering a compelling, convenient and co-operative experience for our members and customers."
The new store will also bring a funding boost to local community groups through the Co-op's new membership scheme.
Co-op members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of Co-op own-branded products and services, with a further one per cent going local causes and groups to make a difference in the community.
Groups set to initially benefit include The Shrewsbury Ark, Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme and the Bomere Heath Sunshine Pre-School.
Mr Carpenter said: "Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally simply by using their Co-op card when they shop with us and provide much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.
"Our return to the 'clover leaf' design logo – first used in the 1960's - links to a time when people really understood how they could be co-owners and members of their Co-op, and how a strong Co-op could help to create strong communities."
The Co-op has also appointed a community pioneer, Matthew Perry, who is a member of the food store team working to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising to working with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life.
Students in Shrewsbury who hold a NUS extra card will get a 10 per cent discount off groceries in store.
Members can choose which of the good causes they wish to support, and money will be raised over a six month period, before a new set of local good causes will benefit.
