Cranbrook's Co-operative opens for business

Cranbrook’s beavers, brownies, guides, cubs and scouts will be helping to open The Southern Co-operative’s new store in Cranbrook near Exeter yesterday (Friday
18 September).

The new store, which has created 17 jobs for local people, will be open seven days a week from 6.30am-11pm.  This is the latest store for the independent regional retailer, The Southern Co-operative, whose nearest stores to Cranbrook include three in Exeter; Beacon Lane, Alphington Road and Buddle Lane.

Store Manager, Suzanne Northover, enthused: “I am really looking forward to this new store playing a central role in the community. We’re so pleased that Cranbrook’s girlguiding and scouting groups are opening the store, as we’re keen to give them our support as relatively new groups in the area.
We also want to build relationships with, and support the activities of Community Helpers In Cranbrook (CHIC) and other local good causes, so look forward to making these connections with our local community.” The Southern Co-operative is donating £500 to be shared between the girlguiding and scouting groups to celebrate the store opening.

Cranbrook Guiding Leader, Nicola Durman, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to take part in the opening of the new store. The residents have been very excited about having a shop in the area and it will benefit many of the community who are without transport. Girlguiding in Cranbrook is very grateful for the donation from The Southern Co-operative which will enable all the girls to take part in an activity such as archery or climbing.”

Nicola added: “In Cranbrook we have 9 Rainbows ages 5 & 6yrs, 25 Brownies ages 7 – 10yrs and 18 Guides ages 10-14yrs, and with the rapidly growing community expect the numbers to increase.  Girlguiding is open to all girls and offers members the chance to get involved in the community, grow in confidence, reach their full potential and enjoy the fun and adventure of guiding. This is achieved by working towards challenges and badges in everything from computers to circus skills and taking part in a host of adventurous activities, holidays and camps. The groups are run by dedicated volunteers but are still looking for more help”.

In addition to a bespoke range of produce, ready meals and an instore bakery, the store will include a free to use ATM. A new Post Office is due to open in November within the new store. Post Office services will be provided from a till on the shop counter in a modern open plan environment, which means customers will be able to carry out a wide range of Post Office services alongside retail purchases. Post Office customers will benefit from the extensive opening hours as the branch will be open the same hours as the store - Monday to Sunday from 6.30 am - 11pm.
www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk