Co-op launch new store in Stonehaven
STONEHAVEN children took on star status this week when they performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch the town's new Co-op supermarket.
The former Somerfield store, on David Street, was bought over by The Co-operative Group as part of a 1.56 billion acquisition of the supermarket chain last year.
Youngsters from the Stonehaven and Area Riding Club junior section were presented with a donation of 200 for school funds by store manager Alan Dunn to mark the occasion on Thursday.
Mr Dunn said: "As The Co-operative is very much a community retailer it is appropriate that our local riding club is involved in our special event. We are delighted the youngsters are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store."
There was lots of in-store activity on the launch day, which is set to continue this weekend with product tastings, giveaways and a barbecue tomorrow (July 24). The Co-operative invested 450,000 to convert and transform the store and has said enhanced ranges, price reductions and improved service will feature heavily in the new-look shop.
There will be an emphasis on fresh foods, including the consumer-owned retailer's extensive Fairtrade range, as well as its Healthier Choice, Simply Value and premium Truly Irresistible ranges, with the store offering substantial savings on at least five fresh fruit and veg products every month to encourage customers to eat their 'five a day'.
Mr Dunn added: "We are proud to serve the local community and this substantial investment in the store means we can now provide a much enhanced service. Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits shopping at The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, price reductions and our cash back dividend scheme.
"At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, The Co-operative has become even more relevant and distinctive. We will meet all the community's daily food shopping needs and, in the best traditions of The Co-operative, make our contribution to community life."
All Somerfield branches will convert to Co-operatives by 2011 and feature The Group's new business identity, which aims to highlight its commitment to supporting local communities and ethical trading policies across its 5,000 outlets in the UK, including its travel, pharmacy, funerals and bank branches.
Last year, The Co-operative paid out 41 million to members and over 1 million to local community groups as part of its dividend scheme, which offers customer members cash back on their trade with the Group's businesses.
Membership of The Co-operative Group, which costs 1, offers a range of benefits including a say in how stores are run and the opportunity to support The Co-operative's campaigns on issues such as climate change and social inclusion.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Stonehaven
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
