New look Co-op stores were unveiled on 9th July 2008 following a £1.2 million transformation of the East of England Co-operative Society’s retail outlets in Felixstowe town centre.

The Society’s Vice President, Roger Smith, cut the ribbon to officially relaunch the Co-op Supermarket, Opticians, Pharmacy, Home Store and Petrol Forecourt.  He was joined by the Mayor of Felixstowe, Councillor Mike Deacon, Mayoress, Anne Deacon, East of England Co-op Chief Executive, Richard Samson (pictured right) and David Preston, Manager of the Supermarket (pictured left).

Visitors to the complex were able to enjoy tastings from a range of local food producers and talk to the companies concerned about their products, all of which are available in the supermarket’s extended local produce section, which includes selected ranges from Tastes of Anglia, the regional food and drink marketing group.

Richard Samson, Chief Executive of the East of England Co-operative Society, said:  “We are delighted that so many local people have taken the opportunity to visit to our Felixstowe complex to look at the changes we have made.”

“The refurbishment of the stores is first class and I would congratulate everyone involved in the project.”

Also pictured: Chief Executive Richard Samson with the managers of the relaunched stores.

Note to Editors:
The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and the third largest independent consumer co-operative in the UK.    It has over 200 trading outlets, which are located in 73 towns and villages, plus the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester, covering more than 2,000 square miles of East Anglian countryside, from Sheringham in Norfolk to Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.

The Society’s diverse business activities include: food stores and supermarkets, department and home stores, jewellery, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts and motor dealerships.