THE Co-op has listened to shareholders by holding a behind-the-scenes tour of its St Martin’s Grand Marche store. More than 100 took advantage of the invitation, issued after members at an AGM asked if they could find out more about the way the society’s stores worked.

Senior managers took people around the store, explaining operations such as human resources, fresh produce (sourcing, logistics, and maintenance from supply to shelf), store layout and merchandising.

They were also told about quality assurance, including health and safety and food hygiene control and general store management.

‘I think the evening was a resounding success,’ said Channel Islands Co-op chief executive officer Allan Smith.

‘That our shareholders take such interest in our operations gives us great satisfaction and drives us on to provide for the best interests of our consumers.

‘Events like this help to foster community spirit and mutual understanding.’

Another consumer evening at the Lowlands Homemaker site is planned for later this year.

*The new shop has twice the retail space of the old.’What we’ve tried to create is a visually pleasing environment with lots of natural light in the main area,’ said deputy manager Darren Dupre.

‘We’ve tried to keep it as a free space, with lots of room so people can take their time to wander around. We designed the layout so that people could see everything more easily.’

‘I think it looks good,’ said Mr Dupre.

‘It’s a different style of holding the goods. People like it but you’re always going to get a few who don’t like change.’