It’s the end of an era and fresh beginning
Girvan Co- op makes way for McColl’s new shop
Last week saw the end of an era as a popular shop closed - but not forever.
The Co- op in Girvan closed at 7pm on Saturday, October 28, after over 80 years in business.
But McColl’s have already opened up shop in the Dalrymple Street premises - with all the old Co- op staff.
Staff at the shop only received six weeks notice before they began clearing stock and emptying out.
Store Manager Joan Smith spoke to the Post before McColl’s, saying: “I’ve worked at the Co- op for 23 years now. I started off working in the butcher’s and then worked my way up.
“I didn’t expect to see this happening - I’m absolutely gutted.
“Our customers are shocked to hear the news and they can’t believe it.
“So much work has been done to the shop. It looks empty now.”
The Co- op first opened in the 1930s - it was formerly three different shops- a baker, grocer and a butcher.
Items in the shop such as butter used to be weighed and packed by hand, whereas now it is done by machines.
A spokesperson for the Co- op said: “I can confirm the sale of our Girvan store on Dalrymple Street to McColl’s.
“An important consideration for us was that colleagues would have continued employment as a result of this sale, and this agreement ensures that colleagues will continue in their jobs and have their terms and conditions maintained post- sale.
“The decision to sell the store is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from the colleagues working at the store.”
Staff member Shirley McBride, who has worked at the Co- op since 2000, said: “It’s not just about the shop closing. It’s about the history as well. My auntie and uncle met in the Coop in the 1940s and they got married soon after.
“I think it will be a big loss for the older generation who don’t drive.”
“It is the end of an era, but the start of a new adventure.”