The Co-operative is investing £350,000 in Brechin to convert and transform the Somerfield store on Trinity Road.
The group says it will bring a new era in food shopping to the local community, create 10 jobs and secure the existing 48 jobs.
The conversion follows The Co-operative Group’s £1.56bn acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year.
Enhanced ranges and improved service will be a feature of the new look store and The Co-operative has already introduced price reductions as well as its unique share of profits dividend scheme, which offers member customers cash back twice a year on their trade with the group.
All Somerfield branches will convert to Co-operatives by 2011 and feature the group’s new business identity, which aims to highlight its commitment to supporting local communities and ethical trading policies, as well as improved service standards across its 5000 outlets in the UK, including its travel, pharmacy, funerals and bank branches.
To celebrate the new look at the Brechin store, youngsters from Brechin Junior Rugby Club will perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony later today and receive a donation of £300 for their funds.
There will also be lots of in-store activity on launch day and over the weekend including product tastings and giveaways.
Store manager Cindy Morris said, “We are proud to serve the local community and this substantial investment in the store means we can now provide a much enhanced service.
“Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits shopping at the Co-op brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, price reductions and our cashback dividend scheme.
“At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, the Co-op 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-op, make our contribution to community life.”
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user grumble_bum.