New Co-op supermarket about to open in Prestonpans

The £550,000 store will be one of the first to feature the return of the Co-op’s iconic blue clover-leaf branding.

The convenience store chain is reintroducing the old-style design, which was first used by the company in the 60s, as part of its bid to re-establish itself as a centre for the community it serves. As well as featuring the new design, the store will also be among the first to feature a new Co-op membership offer which will give back to customers and raise money for local causes.

Pupils from St Gabriel’s Primary School, in the town, have been invited to cut the ribbon at 10am next Thursday and declare the new store open. On the same day, the Co-op unveils the new membership offer, which gives its members a five per cent reward on purchases of the firm’s own brand products and services, with a further one per cent going to local causes and groups.

The store has appointed a community pioneer, Kristina McLeod, who will work to foster involvement in community activities such as local fundraising initiatives and work with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life.

The new Co-op has been built on the former Allied Textiles factory site.

Developers Bankhead Land Ltd had initially planned to create one supermarket on the Mid Road site, but revised their plans in 2015 to create the smaller Co-op store on half the site, with three additional retail units.

One was earmarked for a vet practice and another for a hot food takeaway. There are also parking spaces for 37 cars.

The new Co-op has an in-store bakery and also promises a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, hot food and essentials.

Michael Keenan, new store manager, said “The Co-op is committed to transforming and growing its convenience business and we are delighted to be making such a significant investment – the new store looks great and it really is an exciting time for the whole team.

“The return to our ‘clover leaf’ design logo – first used in the 1960’s – 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 and raise much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”

There will be offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch.