HALF-MILLION POUND RE-FIT ON SOUTHAM LATESHOP TAKES SHAPE

A £495,000 re-fit at the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Lateshop in Southam is taking shape.

Staff facilities including toilets, a manager’s office and a canteen have been re-located into an adjoining warehouse which also houses preparation rooms for the Society’s Co-operative bakery. The new warehouse will allow additional lines to be stocked to improve availability for customers.

Construction work, designed to make the shop floor more open, has also begun as workmen removed the store’s largest pillar and reduced the size of others on the shop floor.

New refrigerators will allow the store to stock a wider range of fresh food including meat and dairy produce. As with any new refrigeration bought by the Society it is environmentally friendly and the new store will also be fitted with environmentally friendly lighting.

Peter Fletcher, General Manager of the Society’s Food Division, said “It was the first time in more than a decade the store had undergone a major revamp. He said once the work was complete customers could look forward to a more comfortable shopping experience with wider aisles and larger range of goods.

“There is a lot of noise in the background at the moment but our customers and members are being very patient. They are all saying how they are looking forward to seeing the new store. We thank them for their patience and look forward to offering them an even better shopping experience once the work is complete by the end of November.”

Ali Kurji, Chief Executive, said: “Southam refurbishment is part of our multi million pound refurbishment programme despite the economic downturn.”