Central Co-op transforms local stores

As 2024 draws to a close, Central Co-op has completed significant transformations at four of its stores, bringing enhanced features and a renewed commitment to sustainability and community. The stores, located in Ibstock, Leicestershire; Rickinghall, Suffolk; Wildwood, Stafford; and Wirksworth, Derbyshire, have been revitalised with exciting upgrades inside and out.

Customers can now enjoy:

• A revamped food-to-go area offering more choice and convenience
• Updated fresh and local produce displays showcasing the finest quality
• Energy-efficient chillers and freezers, aligning with sustainability goals
• A “Buzz for Booze” section for a safe and easy alcohol shopping experience
• Additional self-checkouts for faster service
• State-of-the-art IP-rated CCTV for enhanced safety and security
• Relocated InPost lockers for seamless parcel collection
• Bike repair stations, water refill points, and a car tyre air pump to support active lifestyles
• Community notice boards to keep shoppers connected
• EV chargers, set to be installed in the new year, promoting sustainable transport

Wildwood, Stafford
This store boasts a unique “pets corner”, an in-house florist, an Insomnia Café, and a free-to-book community room, unveiled with the help of Barnsfield Primary School students.

Ibstock, Leicestershire
Featuring a recycling station for batteries, plastics and food donations for the local food bank. Central Co-op’s shop in Ibstock was reopened by the Royal British Legion, celebrating a long-standing relationship with the store.

Rickinghall, Suffolk
Central Co-op Rickinghall welcomed back shoppers with a fun “spin the wheel” game led by students from St Botolph Primary School, who also toured the upgraded store. The solar panels installed on the roof are a part of the retailer’s groundbreaking journey to becoming green-energy self-sufficient.

Wirksworth, Derbyshire
Home to a petrol station and convenience store, the reopening of Central Co-op in Wirksworth donned a festive Christmas window display painted by a local artist. Children from Wirksworth Infant School celebrated the reopening with a tour and a cuddly fruit plushie gift.

Across all locations, customers can continue to enjoy the exceptional quality Central Co-op is known for, including COOK’s range of frozen meals, Insomnia Coffee, Tango Ice Blast machines, and a wide selection of pre-chilled wines, beers, and hot or cold lunch options.

Simon Smith, Head of Format Development Projects and Facilities at Central Co-op, commented: “These upgrades are about more than just modernising our stores, they reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering the best shopping experience for our Members and customers while strengthening our connection to the local communities we serve.”

For further details on Central Co-op’s initiatives, visit centralcoop.co.uk or search for Central Co-op on socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004