COSTCUTTER THINKS OUT OF THE BOX

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

SYMBOL GROUP COSTCUTTER GETS CREATIVE WITH A POP-UP SHOP TO SERVICE AN ISOLATED COMMUNITY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? A pop-up convenience store!

HOW DID IT COME ABOUT? Local retail is playing a pivotal role in supporting local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. This concept ensures continuity of service to an isolated community in the village of Fangfoss in North Yorkshire.

WHY DID THEY HAVE TO GET CREATIVE? An existing Costcutter store in the nearby village of Dunnington was closed for a major refurb, which left locals with no store for many miles. The pop-up shop in the village pub’s carpark in Fangfoss means local residents have easy access to everyday essential items.

IS THE LOCAL RETAILER RUNNING IT? No, it’s Costcutter themselves. They have worked with portable retail specialist Rapid Retail to deploy the 8.5m x 2.9m shop, which is fully branded and fitted out in line with the group’s static stores.

WHAT RANGE IS IT CARRYING? It offers a core range of essential products, including store cupboard staples, fresh and frozen goods, and beers, wines and spirits.

HOW IS IT COPING WITH COVID-19 MEASURES? In line with government guidelines, social distancing measures are in place and the store operates a one-in, oneout system. It also offers home delivery on orders for elderly and vulnerable customers.

WHAT ARE COSTCUTTER SAYING? Mike Hollis, Retail Director at Costcutter, said: “The Fangfoss popup provides a vital shopping service for the local community and our team are working hard to ensure that elderly and vulnerable customers are able to benefit from the store, with home deliveries where possible and allocated timeslots through the week.”