Family-run store reaps rewards of refit

The 2,600sq ft store, which started serving the community in 1921 with fruit and vegetable delivered off the back of a horse and cart, has seen increased shopper numbers and basket spend almost a month after unveiling the new look to customers.

The store has new flooring, ceiling, and layout, which moved the front entrance and added a kitchen. The fresh and chilled offer has grown, with chilled bays extended from seven to 14 allowing an extension of the Co-op range, as well as increasing products from local suppliers including meal deals from the local butcher.

Jack Matthews, who runs the store with his father Paul, said: “We were both really excited to launch the store, but our hope was that people wouldn’t just turn up on opening weekend, look round and then go away, never to be seen again. We’re still only weeks in but customer numbers are up, basket spend is up and new customers are coming back and showing loyalty.

“With local produce being key to us we’ve kept fruit and veg as part of the main entrance into the store, because of our history as greengrocers, and our desire to retain that history whilst pushing ahead with new and modern concepts.”

He added: “Everything is going really well, and we seem to be sprinting along with some excellent growth in chilled sales and alcohol in particular.”