THE Co-op in Launceston has recently reopened, following a £450,000 makeover.

The store on Broad Street reopened on Friday, March 31 and will have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal deals and essentials. It also features new self-service checkouts to improve service times.

The store will also bring a funding boost for local community groups through its new membership scheme. Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further 1% going directly to local causes to make a difference in the community.

Groups in the area set to benefit are Launceston Memory Café, Launceston YFC and the Coronation Park Trust.

Jon Opie, store manager for the Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in our Launceston store, it has a great new look and we are looking forward to re-launching and serving the community. The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum and our ambition is to establish the store as a local hub, a real asset for the community. It is an exciting time for the whole team.”

Colin Olver, area manager for the Co-op, added: “The return to our ‘clover leaf’ design logo — first used in the 1960s — aims to re-establish the Co-op as a centre for the community, and we want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.

“We are also giving back to the community. Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally. Simply by using their membership card when they shop with us, they will raise much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”

There are offers and promotions in and around the new store to mark its re-launch. Students in the area who hold an NUS card will receive a 10% discount off their groceries.

Co-op has also teamed up with the Quality Food Awards to launch the second annual search to showcase the quality and innovation of the nation’s smaller, local producers. Small suppliers will be able to ‘bag’ a listing at the Co-op as the search for ‘Small Producer of the Year’ begins.

The Co-op will work with finalists to help them to get their product in their local store as part of a new initiative to provide a big boost to smaller businesses.

Sue Wade, Co-op’s category trading manager for local, regional and ethnic foods, said: “We know that food provenance, quality and trust are key for our customers and so we are proud to give local producers pride of place in our stores. It’s exciting to collaborate with smaller producers; it’s their innovation, quality, passion and traditions which ensures that their products are much loved locally.”

Full entry details are available at uk.qualityfoodawards.com.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership and the store’s local community fund can be found at www.coop.co.uk/membership