Merseyside

New social supermarket in Runcorn set to open in time for Christmas

community shop

We’re proud to support a new social supermarket opening soon in Runcorn, where local residents are encouraged to apply for membership.

Community Shop, an award-winning social enterprise and the UK’s first social supermarket chain, will support thousands of Runcorn residents working out of Onward’s Priory House office.

There, members will have access to high-quality, low-cost food and household products. Membership is open to people who live locally and receive welfare support.

The shop will open on 3 December and Onward customers can get in touch with our Social Investment Specialist Jane now to apply for membership. Alternatively, local residents can pop into the store from Tuesday to register, providing they meet the conditions.

Community Shop is part of the UK’s leading redistribution organisation, Company Shop Group, and the new store’s shelves will be stacked with surplus products that have mostly been donated by major retailers and manufacturers, rather than going to waste.

The revenue raised from the in-store sales will be invested into the Community Hub, where members can gain access to personal development support, with sessions including everything from a cooking club and home budgeting, to interview skills and business courses. The store will also run a Community Kitchen, offering wholesome hot meals to members.

Rooted in the communities they serve, Community Shop stores generate a transformational social impact by inspiring motivation and confidence in members, and improving health and economic outcomes for families.

Onward Chief Executive Bronwen Rapley said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project by allowing Community Shop to use our office, near Shopping City, as a base. We believe that Community Shop will make a real difference to our customers in Runcorn and to the wider community.”

The organisation’s flagship North West store has already received widespread support locally, including from Mike Amesbury MP and, along with funds from Onward, Halton Borough Council and Well North have generously provided capital investment to support the creation of the store, hub and kitchen.

Community Shop Runcorn will create up to 10 jobs, with a number of vacancies left to fill in retail, the café and development roles.

To qualify for membership, you must live in Castlefields, Windmill Hill, Halton Lea, Brookvale, Murdishaw, Grange or Halton Brook areas. You must also be in receipt of means tested benefit, such as UC, JSA, ESA, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.

Get in touch with our Social Investment Specialist Jane now to apply for membership, or pop in from 3 December to register at the shop.