New ‘social supermarket’ set to open in Sunderland
Community Shop, part of Company Shop Group, will launch its 16th store on Fawcett Street in Sunderland, offering deeply discounted groceries and essential household items to those in need.
The store is backed by Ocado Retail, which operates a UK customer hub in the area and has supported the opening of six Community Shop locations across England through surplus stock donations.
Gary Stott, executive chairman of Community Shop, said: “Sunderland was the location for one of the first βsocial supermarketsβ with the Peopleβs Store opening in the city over a hundred years ago, and we are proud to be bringing our similar offer to Fawcett Street.
“Community Shop offers more than just deeply discounted food and households products, we also provided life-changing support through our Community Hub and Community Kitchen to give our members the help and guidance they need to develop their own capabilities and feel empowered to deliver a positive future for themselves.
“Weβre delighted to be coming to Sunderland and I would urge anyone in the Fawcett Street area to sign up for free membership now, ready for the store opening soon.”
The store will include three key spaces: the Community Store, offering discounted groceries; the Community Hub, which delivers support and development programmes, and the Community Kitchen, a cafΓ© serving home-cooked meals with kids eating for free every day.
Membership is free and open to anyone living in the area and receiving means-tested benefits.
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Community Shop has had a huge impact on the communities which it serves since its launch in 2013, so we are delighted that it is opening its first store in Sunderland, with backing from the fantastic team at Ocado.
“It will provide a real respite to families struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis while providing a welcoming space for support and events.Β It will provide a real boost to the high street.”