Local community advocates open new supermarket for town

Hundreds of local residents eagerly awaited the opening of the East of England Co-op Supermarket in Harleston today (Thursday 26 October), which was officially opened by local community advocates Annie Chapman BEM and Carol Wiles MBE. 

Crowds were kept entertained with live music and magic tricks, whilst the first 100 customers through the doors each received a golden ticket, with local resident Alan Dalliston taking home the top prize – a TV.

The store also welcomed the vintage tractor ridden by Annie Chapman BEM in the annual Ladies Tractor Road Run. Organised by Annie, and now in its fourteenth year, the annual road run has raised over half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK. In support of the fantastic events and all of the ladies who take part each year, the East of England Co-op are holding a special collection for opening day with all money raised being donated to Cancer Research UK.

Store manager Steve Charlton has been a part of the Harleston community for ten years, having been manager of the former Budgens which was taken on by the East of England Co-op earlier this year. All of the former Budgens colleagues have been transferred to the local retailer, joining the team from the former East of England Co-op food store on London Road which has now closed. 

The new East of England Co-op Supermarket, Harleston on Bullock Fair Close is open 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.  

Click here for more information about the store.