Retford Food Store opens its doors

A new £1.3m food store in Retford has welcomed shoppers inside for the first time, introducing a range of new services to the area.

The Lincolnshire Co-op convenience store, located on Hallcroft Road, opened on Thursday 28th July. It’s now open to customers seven days a week from 7am until 10pm.

The new store is based in the former Flying Scotsman pub. The original building has been largely retained during the renovation, with a deep clean of the brick and stonework bringing the historical details back to life.

Inside, the store has an innovative eco-friendly refrigeration system that recycles energy produced to heat the store, resulting in a lower global warming impact. Energy usage is also reduced by around 20% due to the installation of fridge doors throughout. A soft plastic recycling service is also available in store.

Lincolnshire Co-op has its own membership scheme and members receive benefits including dividend when they shop, a yearly bonus and extra dividend on different ranges, such as the Love Local range which features food and drinks sourced from nearby producers.

Every time a member shops at the outlet, a donation will be made to a good cause through the society’s Community Champions scheme. Thanks to previous fundraising, a new community defibrillator has been installed at the store.

Store Manager Rob Ward said: “People were waiting at the door before we even opened! Customers seem really excited to explore our range of products, and we’ve had lots of interest in our membership scheme.

“We already have a valued presence in Retford thanks to our Funeral Home and Travel Branch, so we’re thrilled to become part of this community.”