THE new Co-op Locale store in the Town Markets was set to open for business today. It marks the return of some of the building’s original traders, including butcher Russell Welbourne and
grocer Steve Hackley, who are now operating within the new supermarket.
‘We have tried to incorporate many of the original market stalls and have been fortunate to retain the services of some well known traders,’ said Jim Hopley, chief executive of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society.
In addition to the butchery unit and a fresh produce section, there is a florist and delivery service, a delicatessen and a fresh fish counter operated by Lucas Fish, with Monty Vaudin supplying seafood daily.
Other services available include a post office and pharmacy.
According to the Co-op’s head of sales and marketing, Jim Plumley, it is an arrangement not seen in any other Co-op store in the island.
Mr Hackley of Hackley’s Fruit and Vegetables said the future of his stall had been uncertain ever since the Markets development was announced and he was surprised when the Co-op asked to incorporate his stall into its store.
Like other former market traders, he has had to sacrifice autonomy over his business, handing a certain degree of control to the supermarket in return for his inclusion in the project.
Although he hoped the venture would be a success, he said that only time would tell.
‘We all hope that it’s going to be all right. The Co-op has been fair with us and I just hope it works.’
The Co-op Locale in Market Street is now closed and Mr Vaudin is using it to prepare seafood for sale.
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