The New Look Co-Op

Well I popped into the Co-Op on the day of their grand re-launch.   From what I could see, once my eyes got used to the glare from the very bright lights, not a great deal has changed apart from the smart new uniforms being worn by the staff.

One side of the store still seems to be completely devoted to the sale of wine and beer.  I am sure this is a good for profits but to devote about 20% of the total selling area to booze seems a bit excessive.   The number of lines that they carry seems to have increased but it is nowhere near the choice that you get from CostCutters.  

When i was in there on day one, there was a young mother with a child in a buggy in the shop.  It seems that the aisles have reduced in width as it proved difficuly to get round her.   Even though the place is very clean and bright, it has a very cramped feel to it

Today (Saturday) I went in there again.  It seems that they are having the same supply problems that they had pre refurb,  as there was very little fresh produce available and large empty spaces on the shelves, especially meat and vegetables.

Talking about supply issues.  According to the latest minutes of the Parsh Council meeting, point 7.1 states that deliveries to the Co-Op are scheduled to take place between mid-morning and 3:30 pm.  Well I guess my watch must be running very slows ince on many mornings when I  am trying to make a right turn out of Old Dean into the high street, the view is completely blocked by the Co-Op delivery lorries.

I have to say that I am somewhat disappointed with this refurb.  I think, if Tesco's do eventually open up on the site at the top of the village, the Co-Op will need to smarten up its act otherwise, they will not survive.

As always, your comments on this are welcome.  Any reply from the Co-Op would be especially welcome.