A VILLAGE Co-op store has reopened today (Thursday, May 6) following a £665,000 refurbishment.

The Co-op in Rainford has seen an overhaul to better meet the needs of the community.

The 2,974 sq ft store runs on 100 per cent renewable energy and will be reopened by community cause, Rainford in Bloom, who work closely with the store’s team on fundraising, projects and events.

Located on Church Road, the transformed store will be open from 7am-10pm, seven days a week and has an increased range and choice of fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and everyday essentials. For the first time, it will also sell hot food and baked goods and have a Costa Coffee Express machine.

Co-op aims to provide a funding boost locally and save shoppers money through its membership scheme. In addition to personalised offers, members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products added to their own membership account balance. The Co-op also donates a further 2p to local causes.

Craig Oxley-Brookes, Co-op area manager, said: “We are extremely proud to be relaunching our Rainford store with a fresh new-look and an increased offer. We have worked hard to develop product ranges and services that will create a really compelling offer for the community and provide an even more convenient, quality way to shop than before.”

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Nicola Barry, Co-op store manager, added: “Our store is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life and we are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into the store now that we have finished the improvements – a big thank you to everyone for their support and patience.”

Co-op’s Community Shopping Card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials. Cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592 - enabling friends, families, neighbours or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.

Contactless card payment limits are increased to £45, making it easier, quicker and safer to shop.

Co-op has around 4.6M active members, and alongside Food, it operates: Co-op Funeralcare, Insurance, Health and Legal Services. More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting: coop.co.uk/membership.