Eager shoppers turned out for the grand opening of the new-look Lakes and Dales Co-operative store in Lazonby today (29 November 2013), following the recent merger between Penrith and Scotmid Co-operative Societies.
Pupils from the Lazonby C of E School joined former staff member Jane Watt, who worked at the store for 30 years, at today’s store opening. The school was also presented with a cheque from Lakes and Dales Co-operative for £1,000 to help fund a technology upgrade.
The Lazonby store has been refurbished inside and out, with a brand new design, features and services for customers. Local baker, Brysons of Keswick, will have a bakery counter inside the store, and customers will be able to enjoy a larger range of fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled food, craft beer and specialty wines. The store’s interior and exterior have also been modernised with a new black and green livery.
Lakes and Dales Co-operative has been selected as the new trading name for the nine Penrith Co-operative stores in the Eden Valley and Lake Districts in Cumbria, and the Weardale Valley in County Durham. Penrith Co-operative Society merged with the Scottish Midland Co-operative Society (Scotmid Co-operative) in August this year.
Jane McDonnell, Store Manager said: “The new store looks great, there’s a lot more choice and it is going to be so much easier for our customers to shop in. The range is phenomenal, we now have a wonderful variety of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish available. The store looks brighter and fresher and the layout is clearer too. We are really encouraging everyone in the village to come and have a look at what we have to offer and we are looking forward to finding out what our customers think.”
John Dalley, Chief Financial Officer and Society Secretary for Scotmid Co-operative said: “We are very happy to be opening our new-look Lakes and Dales Co-operative store in Lazonby. We would like to thank everyone for all of their hard work at bringing our two Societies together, and especially to Store Manager Jane McDonnell and her team for preparing for the launch today.”
He added: “Lakes and Dales Co-operative is the new trading name for Penrith Co-operative stores. It was suggested by staff and we think it reflects the local Cumbria and Weardale Valley area. This first store is an important milestone as we continue to work together in the true spirit of co-operation, to bring the Penrith stores into the Scotmid family.”
The new-look Lazonby Lakes and Dales Co-operative is located at Henderson Buildings, Lazonby, Cumbria CA10 1BG and is open from 7.30am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 1pm on Sunday.