Southern Co-op Opens New Store in Andover
The new Southern Co-op store in Andover’s Picket Twenty development has only just opened with the creation of 15 new jobs, however the team has already partnered with the local primary school which has been working hard to ensure local children have access to free lunches and support during school holidays.
Chris Gawn, Store Manager at the new store, said: “As soon as we started planning the opening, we got in touch with Pilgrims Cross Primary School. At the time it was looking for donations to pay for some children to continue school throughout the summer. It was incredibly special to be able to help with this.
“More recently we heard that the school has been supporting a number of its families during lockdown three with lunch deliveries. So, we will be donating hundreds of bags for life as well as some essential food. With everything going on at the moment, this support from the school is unbelievably important to lots of people in the local area.”
Southern Co-op is a regional, independent co-operative committed to sustainable business (the new store uses 100% renewable energy and has been fitted with energy saving technology), investment in its communities and supporting local food and drink producers, including working with Hampshire Fare as a Corporate Partner.
Customers to the new store will find a range of services and great choice, including Local Flavours products – among them Hampshire Fare members Claytons Eggs from Romsey, Hill Farm Juice from Swanmore, New Forest Spring Water and Summerdown chocolate mints from Basingstoke.
With COVID-19 safety measures throughout, the new convenience food store will also include a collection point where customers can make regular donations to Andover Food Bank. To view updates about the new store, visit www.facebook.com/TheCooperativeFoodEclipseHouseAndover.