The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

Our New Co-op in Princess Drive

Just one month in and I continue to be impressed with our new Co-operative store. When walking Jessie near to the store, I find it fascinating that when people come out of the shop, they’re either saying to their friends who are with them, or to complete strangers like myself what a lovely store it is.

When I do visit, I find all combinations of people shopping together, old and younger – something I never saw in the shop’s previous incarnation. And there is a buzz in the air.

Shopping there is an enjoyable experience. It feels spacious with a wide range of good value products on offer. I am currently trying out some own name products and so far have been impressed with the quality, which is unusual for me as someone who always used to go for named brands.

What also impresses me is the fact that my lovely husband now sidles down there, buying the odd beer or two, or a ‘snack for the evening’. It truly is a convenience store – but it much more than that. With polite, cheerful and helpful staff, a clean store combined with good products, it has become a pleasant shopping experience. Long may it last.

It is my intention to review the store again after 3, 6, and 12 months after opening, just to see whether this is just a flash in the pan or part of the Co-op policy. Having said that, while away in the past week, I dropped into a Co-operative store in Heathfield

and loved the experience there too.