Supermarket reopens after chain acquisition

A SUPERMARKET in Warwickshire has reopened following a conversion after it was part of a company acquisition.

Somerfield near Nuneaton town centre is now a Co-operative supermarket after the chain was bought out for £1.56bn by the Co-operative Group in March last year, making Co-op the fifth largest UK food retailer.

The decision to convert the 9,500 sq ft store has safeguarded the jobs of 55 staff who previously worked for Somerfield.

Co-op says the new-look shop, which has a shared car park with other local stores, will have enhanced ranges and reduced prices.

All Somerfield branches expected to be converted to Co-ops by the end of 2011.

Rob Oddy and Kyle Storer from Nuneaton Town FC performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony and took away a £200 donation for their club funds.

Store manager Wayne Bambrough said: “We are proud to serve the local community and this investment in the store means we can now provide a much enhanced service.

“Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits shopping at The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, price reductions and our cash back dividend scheme.”

Picture: Nuneaton Town players Rob Oddy and Kyle Storer (centre left  and right) join staff to celebrate the opening of the new Co-op supermarket in Nuneaton.