NOW THAT'S A GOOD IDEA...

OUT THE BOX - SUPPORTING LOCKDOWN COMMUTERS

FREE WATER AND BIKE REPAIR KITS FOR COMMUTERS

CENTRAL ENGLAND CO-OP IS OFFERING A RANGE OF FREE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES INCLUDINGWATER AND BIKE REPAIR KITS TO ATTRACT COMMUTERS HEADING BACK TO WORK ON THEIR BIKE ORON FOOT.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

Not exactly a big idea, but a nice one nonetheless. Central England Co-op is aiming to attract workers who will be looking to walk or cycle to work as the coronavirus lockdown starts to ease by offering them free water and bike repair kits.

HOW DOES THAT WORK?

The retailer, which has over 262 stores across 16 counties, is offering a range of free services that bikers and walkers can access in its shops as they travel to and from work after the government advised people who can return to work to do so via walking and cycling if possible to help maintain social distancing and ease potential pressure on public transport.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Cycling and walking commuters can enjoy free water refills, charging points for their phones, indoor and outdoor seating and customer toilets when they stop off at selected Central England Co-op stores, while free bike repair kits will be available at all stores from this week. Cyclists are also able to leave their bikes safe and secure as all shops have bike racks outside for their use.

THOUGHTFUL. ANYTHING ELSE?

The retailer has also started rolling out a specialist feature at some of its new sites, a public use bicycle repair station. Additionally, staff at the Society can apply to take advantage of the Cycle to Work scheme, which allows people heavily discounted bikes to get to work.

WHAT ARE CENTRAL ENGLAND CO-OP SAYING?

Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive, said: “As a co-operative, our communities are always at the heart of all our decisions, especially during these uncertain times. This is why we wanted to make sure we are there for people heading back to work and supporting those choosing to walk or cycle to help continue efforts to defeat the Coronavirus.

“Anyone commuting to or from work can nip into one of our stores and enjoy free access to all different kinds of support from customer toilets and water refills to special charging points and special store bike repair kits.”