A new project has launched to open a community co-operative shop in the heart of Wilmslow.
The plan is for the shop to sell quality local produce - such as veggies, bread and local crafts - and operate in an environmentally-conscious way.
Lisa McClory, who approached Transition Wilmslow and plastic free Wilmslow with her idea, has set up an inaugural meeting for Tuesday, 29th January.
This first meeting will be an informal opportunity to find out more about the project add your views. They will also be taking details of anyone who would like to get involved with this project
Lisa McClory told wilmslow.co.uk "The idea for this project evolved from the Rex Revival community group, which has now been transformed into the Wilmslow Hub, a place to find out about and support local initiatives. The re-opening of the historic Rex cinema in a vacant furniture shop gathered the support of over 4,500 local residents on Facebook alone and showed that, when the community gets together, we can really make a difference in our town.
"I believe most people in Wilmslow are fed up of seeing empty shop units and of seeing the disappearance of independent traders. Many people would love to have the opportunity to buy quality local produce just by walking into the centre of our town, to support our local businesses and to do that in an environmentally friendly way. By opening the Wilmslow Community Shop, we can create that place. Fresh veggies, artisan breads, crafts, a place for local producers to sell their goods, but also a place to buy things which are unique to Wilmslow."
Lisa added "The shop will be a co-operative, owned by the community and its workers. As a co-operative, I hope that the shop will in future be able to help other independent businesses gain a foothold in Wilmslow and support even more community and business-led improvements to our civic amenities.
"This idea has only recently begun, but has already gathered a huge amount of local support. The shop will belong to the community, therefore there will obviously be some discussion about what sort of shop will be right for Wilmslow."
Pippa Tyrell of Transition Wilmslow said "Many people in Wilmslow want to reduce their use of single use plastic and being able to use and re-use our own containers when shopping would be a great step towards that."
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 29th January in the Brewhouse & Kitchen starting at 7.30pm. Free tickets are available online.
The group are also looking out for premises, for offers of start-up help and funding! Anyone interested is asked to contact [email protected].
Comments
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I would assume that some of the suppliers could include some busineses who participate locally in artisan markets. Such business could materially benefit from additional exposure for their goods if retail markups can be kept held down with the assistance of minimising fixed costs for such a shop.
Earlams' in Styal is supported by volunteers and The National Trust which enables it to be sustainable.
Hope it works out.