New Co-op for Sidmouth
YOUNGSTERS from a Sidmouth school had the honour of officially launching the new Co-operative store in the town yesterday. The former Somerfield store in High Street is one of the first in the UK to convert to a Co-op, following the Co-operative Group s �
YOUNGSTERS from a Sidmouth school had the honour of officially launching the new Co-operative store in the town yesterday.
The former Somerfield store in High Street is one of the first in the UK to convert to a Co-op, following the Co-operative Group's �1.56 billion acquisition of the supermarket chain.
Pupils from All Saints Infant School performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday morning and also received a �200 donation for school funds from store manager Phil Layton to mark the occasion.
He said: "As a community retailer it is appropriate that we involve the community in our special events and we are delighted our local school is playing a central role in the relaunch of our store."
The change does not affect the 25 existing jobs at the supermarket but the store will now feature the Co-op's new brand identity and will offer a more extensive product range including Fairtrade.
The store will also offer savings on at least five fresh fruit and veg products every month to encourage customers to eat their five-a-day.
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Mr Layton added: "We are proud to serve the local community and can now provide an enhanced service. I am sure customers will welcome the changes and the benefits shopping at The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, thousands of price reductions on key lines across the store and our cash back dividend scheme.
"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."
Product tasting sessions took place in the store yesterday and people will also have the chance to sample the new ranges tomorrow (Saturday).
The conversion marks the beginning of a two year rebranding programme which will see all 5,300 Somerfield branches change to Co-ops.
