New look as store opens after takeover
A former Somerfield store in Staffordshire has been given a make-over following its acquisition by Midlands Co-op.
Ownership transferred to Midlands Co-op on April 27 and the building in Springfields Road, in Rugeley, has been given a £400,000 refurbishment and relaunched as The Co-operative.
The new-look store's re-opening for business this week was eagerly awaited by manager Daniel Warburton, who has worked for Midlands Co-op for 15 years.
Mr Warburton inherits a team of 35 full and part-time staff who transferred to Midlands Co-op from Somerfield.
"The store was closed to allow essential refurbishment work to take place and for our new colleagues to be put through a familiarisation process, bringing them up to speed with Midlands Co-op's systems and procedures," he said.
"The store looks quite different with a revised layout, new checkouts and kiosk and new fixtures and fittings.
"The product range has been extended to include a wider range of fresh foods, and a new in-store bakery provides increased choice. I'm sure that our customers both old and new will be pleased."
Mr Warburton, who lives in Stafford, started working part-time for the company at a superstore in Leicester while studying at sixth form.
He progressed to supervisory roles within the superstore before being given the opportunity to take part in the society's management training programme.
He has now built up more than 15 years service and has managed stores across the region.
Pete Whitmore, food operations manager for Midlands Co-op, said: "The results of the refurbishment are excellent and I'd like to thank everyone connected with the project for their dedication in delivering the new-look store on schedule.
"Daniel and his team are very experienced and very enthusiastic and I have every confidence they will continue to provide excellent customer service."
