Cllr Denise Dutton officially opened the new Co-op store in Formby and another celebrity popped in..

Nov 19, 20162 min read

The Co-op has served-up its newest food store in Formby this week (Thursday, 17 November) following a near £600,000 investment creating 20 new jobs.

Local Councillor Denise Dutton was among the guests of honour helping colleagues at the new store – located on Queens Road – to cut the ribbon and declare the Co-op open for the community.

The new store seems quite a catch for local celebs as Steven Gerrard popped in and posed for a quick selfie with store manager Helen Horsely and Emre Can called in for some bottled water on the preview night and took time for a photo too.

Launch of new Co-op store in Formby made extra special for Helen Horsley, store manager, who scored a selfie with Liverpool legend Steven Gerard who had popped into his new local Co-op

On the preview night, Liverpool player Emre Can popped into the new Co-op and took time out for a quick photo with store manager Helen Horsley (left) and the staff and Bubble manager Melissa (right of Emre)

The new store will open between 7am-10pm, and include an in-store bakery and a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials.

It also brings a funding boost to local community groups through the Co-op’s new Membership scheme. Co-op members receive a 5% reward on purchases of Co-op own-branded products and services, with a further 1% going to local causes and groups to make a difference in the community.

The Co-op has also appointed a Community Pioneer, Amy Johnston, a member of the food store team working to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising to working with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life.

Helen Horsley, Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in Formby – we have had a great response from the community and to open the Co-op’s newest food store is an exciting time for the whole team. Our aim is to establish the store as a local hub and we are looking forward to serving the community.

“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. The return to our ‘clover leaf’ design logo – first used in the 1960’s - aims to re-establish the Co-op as a centre for the community, and we want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. We are also giving back to the community. Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally simply by using their membership card when they shop with us and raise much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”

There are offers and promotions in and around the new store to mark its launch. And, students in Formby who hold a NUS extra card receive a 10% discount off their groceries in the store.

Helen Horsley, Ronnie Mann, Mike Clegg and Jean Marie Hughes and more members of the team at the opening of the new Co-op store in Formby

Earlier this year the Co-op was described as the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to retail industry data released by Kantar World panel.