Central Co-op opens first store in Cheshire

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 28/01/2025

The doors of Central Co-op’s brand-new store in Congleton are officially open, marking its first-ever location in Cheshire. The store, officially opened during a ribbon-cutting event on Friday 24th January, represents a significant milestone for Central Co-op and the community.

The new store on Manchester Road offers a range of features designed to enhance the shopping experience and support the community, including:

• A community notice board, fostering local connections.
• A free bike repair station, encouraging sustainable transport.
• Pet pit-stop with a water bowl for furry friends.
• Fresh in-store bakery.
• Customer toilets and a free water refill station for added convenience.
• A food-to-go area, with hot food and drinks machines perfect for those on the move.
• A coffee shop, coming soon, to provide a relaxing space for the community to gather.

The store has also brought 16 new jobs to Congleton, contributing to the local economy and supporting the town's growing population, bolstered by significant housing developments in the area.

The grand opening event was a true community celebration, featuring local celebrity Neil Baldwin and students from Havannah Primary School, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon. They were joined by Central Co-op’s President, Elaine Dean, and CEO, Debbie Robinson, who expressed their excitement about this new chapter for the society.

Janine Cartlidge-Dean, Store Manager at Central Co-op’s Congleton store, said: "We’re thrilled to be opening our first store in Cheshire and to join the vibrant community of Congleton. This store is more than a place to shop – it’s a hub where people can come together, and we’re committed to making a positive difference here.”

Located on the site of a former data centre, the Congleton store has undergone a comprehensive transformation to create a modern and welcoming retail space for Members, customers and the local community. The extensive remodel included a new roof, internal dividing walls, a striking overclad exterior, and a resurfaced car park featuring 16 parking spaces, including two disabled bays. In the coming weeks, six electric vehicle charging points will also be installed.

For more information on Central Co-op initiatives, visit centralcoop.co.uk/. To find your nearest Central Co-op shop, search at stores.centralengland.coop/search and to become a Member, visit Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004