There was a real sense of anticipation amongst the customers of the Whiteley Village Shop as it relaunched recently with new lines, a brighter, fresher feel and a cosy coffee corner.
The shop was a lifeline to our Village during the lockdown, when many vulnerable residents couldn’t go out shopping or get an online delivery. So, with people starting to look forward to the end of the pandemic, it felt the time was right to give the shop a bit of a facelift.
Regular customers and other residents were asked how they’d like the shop to be improved and what new items they’d like to see on sale. Many asked for more fresh produce, newspapers and a wider variety of food items.
Head of Community, Laura Cole said: “We’re excited to be re-launching the Village Shop. It’s been deep cleaned and rearranged to make it more welcoming and to give it a lighter feel, and in response to residents’ feedback, there are lots of new products on offer too.
“There’s fresh bread, cakes and pastries, sandwiches and filled rolls, newspapers and a larger range of fresh fruit and vegetables. We’ve also introduced more frozen meals, meat products and vegetarian options and are especially excited about our new coffee (and tea) corner!
“Obviously it’s not in the same league as our Lantern Cafe, but does give customers a chance to take the weight off their feet and have a cuppa with a friend during their visit to the shop or the Post Office.”
Shop customer June, seen here (right) having a coffee with her friend Terri (left), agrees: “I think they’ve done a nice job actually and I hope it’s a success. I might pop up and do my crossword there for a change, as it gets you out of the house.”
Laura added: “Of course, we know there’s still more to do and we’re encouraging further feedback and ideas for new products, and residents can have a chat with Sylvie at the Clubhouse who manages the shop, or talk to our Community Coordinator, Sue Taylor.
“It’s been a great start though, and we hope more people will support the shop if they can”, she said. (Shop opening times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 12.00noon.)
Lantern Café now open to all: Don’t forget the Eliza Palmer Hub’s Lantern Café is now open to the public as well as residents on Mondays from 10.00am to 12noon and on Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, so do invite your friends and families along for cake and coffee!
