Co-op spends £220,000 on new Llanrwst store

Dec 16 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

The Co-operative

THE Co-operative is investing £220,000 in Llanrwst to convert and transform the Somerfield store on Plough Street to a Co-operative.

The conversion follows The Co-operative Group’s £1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year. The conversion will safeguard all 42 jobs in the store.

Enhanced ranges and improved service will be a feature of the new look Llanrwst store.

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.

To celebrate the new look at the Llanrwst store, youngsters from Ysgol Bro Gwydir are performing a ribbon-cutting ceremony today (Thursday) and will be presented with a donation of £200 for school funds.

Store manager Andy Tomkins said: “We are proud to serve the local community and this substantial investment in the store means we can now provide an enhanced service.

“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.”

As well as its new look and more spacious, shopper friendly layout, the store will feature enhanced and new product ranges, with an emphasis on fresh foods, including the consumer-owned retailer’s extensive Fairtrade range.

The store will offer savings on at least five fresh fruit and veg products every month to encourage customers to eat their ‘five a day’ and The Co-operative Bakery will offer a selection of in-store baked breads and pastries, free from hydrogenated fat.

The store’s home delivery service will be retained and upgraded.

Andy Tomkins was delighted pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwydir, were at the relaunch ceremony.

He said: “As The Co-operative is very much a community retailer it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event.

“We are delighted pupils are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store,” said Andy.