Bit of giddyness amongst local co-operators as the Hardy Lane co-op store reopened today after a makeover in the new livery and layout. There is a vested interest in keeping the store going as our meeting room is above the shop. Now it has extended out the back the square footage of sales area has doubled. The meeting room will still be same size, and still feature the steepest staircase in Manchester. All in all, very impressive. Bright, well stocked and organised.
The shop and meeting room will be 80 years next year. Currently making a short video of its small history - the usual stuff of old pictures, bits of footage and definately some talking heads. Contributions welcome.
After a bit of a wait the new toy shop opens as a co-operative in Chorlton. The former owners retired from business life and a great effort has been made to re-start the shop but this time as an Industrial & Provident Society. Official opening is Saturday 11th July at 517 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0UF.
After a few hours research in the Co-op Archives at Holyoake House - all will be revealed at the Area Co-op Party dinner in November in Prestwich - ventured into the new Co-operative store opposite Urbis. Bit chilly in there after walking around in a t-shirt in the bright sunlight - the air-con was blasting away with the doors open, mmmm. Excellent layout, no clutter with wide isles. Made a few impulse purchases. Not a destination shopping trip but if you're in Manchester you could pick up some butties, and a few items for a evening meal.
Work is now underway for a Co-operative Group food store in the city. It'll be on the lines of an urban metro outlet aimed at busy workers and passing trade. Not the place for destination shopping. However this will be the first co-op shop (excluding the staff shop at New Century House) in Manchester city centre in my living memory or for a long, long time...The unimaginative picture was snapped on Corporation Street, it's in the Co-operative Bank building.