Takeover secures 31 Welshpool jobs

Thirty-one Welshpool jobs have been saved after the Co-Operative bought the Somerfield brand and invested £170,000 to spruce up its jaded Berriew Road store.

The new-look store will open its doors on Thursday and provide a bumper prize-winning Friday and Saturday for shoppers, including the chance to win free shopping, vouchers and up to £1,000 in cash.

 The Co-operative Group says the acquisition will bring a new era in food shopping to the local community and secure the existing 31 jobs. The move follows The Group’s £1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year.

Store manager Steve Hill said: “We are proud to serve the local community and this investment in the store means we can now provide an enhanced service. Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits that shopping at The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, price reductions and our cash back dividend scheme.

“At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, The Co-operative has become even more relevant and distinctive. 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, the company says that the store will feature enhanced product ranges, with an emphasis on fresh foods, including its extensive Fairtrade range, as well as its Healthier Choice, Simply Value and premium Truly Irresistible ranges. There will also be a more shopper-friendly lay-out, a new kiosk and chilled beers and wines. Popular services including Paypoint and home delivery will be retained.

The store, which has been selling Co-op brands for several months since its acquisition, is currently closed for refurbishment until the official opening on Thursday.

Welshpool has become a strategic front line for a supermarket war which will enter a new phase when Tesco opens for business in the New Year.