Chelmsford Star Co-operative has re-opened its Duke Street convenience store in Chelmsford, following a major refit which has transformed the site.

The site is the oldest food store in the society’s portfolio and was relaunched on Thursday (4 July) by Chelmsford Star Co-op president Pauline Dodd and ceo Barry Wood.

Representatives from Broad Oak Farms, Essex Garden Foods and Monster energy drinks provided tastings and samples for customers at the re-opening. Members of Chelmmsford Star Co-op’s charity of the year Alzheimer’s Society also attended the event.

The new-look Duke Street store was closed for 10 days so the site could be completely gutted and reconfigured. The store’s floor has been replaced, aisles have been widened and refrigeration with floor length energy-saving doors have also been installed. 

The refit also included the introduction of an improved snacking range, in-store bakery, hot food, and chilled wine & beer. A Rollover Hotdogs station, Lavazza coffee and Starslush machine have also been added to the store’s food-to-go section, with Otis donuts to be introduced at a later date.

Commenting on the re-opening, Wood said: “The store in Duke Street has been serving residents and commuters since 1945 and was starting to look tired. Following the results of an in store survey carried out recently, and in conjunction with the society’s refit strategy, a plan was drawn up to update the store incorporating, where possible the aspirations of the local community, including extended produce and food-to-go ranges.”