Soccer boss kicks off new store
THE Co-op has opened its new Churchtown store following a £650,000 investment. The supermarket chain, which also has a store at nearby Fylde Road, opened its doors at the former Pillow Talk shop, Cambridge Road last week.
An official opening took place on Thursday, April 5, when staff members were joined by Southport FC manager Kevin Davies, CEO Natalie Atkinson and club mascot Sandy the Lion.
The new store features an in-store bakery; fresh, healthy foods; meal ideas; award-winning wines and essentials.
Through its membership scheme. it will also bring a funding boost to local good causes, including Southport Lifeboat, Southport Soup Kitchen and The Library in the Gardens.
Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local good causes.
Helen Faichney, the Co-op store manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to carry out such a signifi- cant investment in Churchtown, and we are really looking forward to serving the local community.
‘‘Our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub, a real asset for the community.”
The Co-op plans to open 100 new stores UK-wide in 2018 and earlier this year announced a £50m price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.
Zoe Holden, the Co-op area manager, said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum.
‘‘We are investing in our people, stores, products and prices and have the ambition for our stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering our great quality products when and where shoppers need them.
‘‘We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.
‘‘Our members make a difference locally: simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us, they are raising much-needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”