Our Leigh-on-Sea food store reopened last week with a brand new look, bringing a fresh concept to Chelmsford Star’s food business. It included the introduction of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) globally-recognised Co-op logo, and a change from our usual lime-green to a pale blue.
Internally, the store received a remarkable make-over considering it only closed to the public for 3 days, with brick-effect walls, wooden panelling, LED screen, a new focus on food to go and a repositioned counter. You can have a full tour of the branch here. Store Manager Sarah Rainforth particularly liked the new communications system between her and her colleagues.
The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Stephen Habermel, joined Society President Tony Price when he visited the new look store. Together, they performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch this latest concept for Chelmsford Star’s food business. The Mayor remarked, “I’m astounded to hear how much Chelmsford Star Co-op reinvests into the local area, and I am very happy you are here.” His opening address can be seen here. Having cut the ribbon, the Mayor took a membership form and promised to join as the Mayoress was a regular shopper.
Also on hand at launch day were local brands Tapp’d Cocktails, whose main factory was just down the road, and BroadOak Farm sausages. The sampling went down a treat, with one local resident saying, “I genuinely think this is the best sausage I’ve ever eaten.”
It is hoped the ICA Co-op branding will appear on more food stores soon, having already been adopted by Chelmsford Star’s funeral business. Chief Operating Officer, Brendan Smith, said; “We’ve learnt a few lessons in refitting the Leigh on Sea store, and I’m looking forward to applying them to some of our other food stores in the not too distant future. Watch this space!”
