Killin’s new larger Co-op store was officially opened last Friday following a £610,000 investment by the retailers.
Located on Lyon Road, Killin, the near 3,600 sq ft convenience store – more than 1,000 sq ft larger than its former site in the village – is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and supports 17 local jobs.
The store – which opens between 7am-10pm daily – includes a bakery, free ATM, Everground coffee machine - which is Co-op’s own brand Fairtrade hot chocolate, coffee and tea and, an enhanced focus on fresh, healthy products, meal ideas, food-to-go, wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from, vegan and plant-based products and, everyday essentials.
The new store also includes Amazon Lockers for parcel collection and, the Click & Collect of groceries through Co-op’s own online shop - coop.co.uk/shop.
Students in Killin who are TOTUM cardholders – the new name for NUS extra – also receive a 10 per cent discount.
Store manager Grant Maxwell said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to relocate and continue serving our loyal customers here in Killin. We have worked to develop the range, choice, products and services to create a really compelling offer, conveniently.”
Victoria Lofthouse, Co-op area manager, added: “Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. We also want customers to know that they can become a Member of the Co-op.
“In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers for themselves, our members help to make a difference to local causes - Co-op donates 2p in every pound to community causes when members swipe their membership card when buying own-branded products.”
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners granted planning permission for the new 5000 square feet store on part of a builder’s yard in Station Road earlier this year.
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One objection was submitted to the planning application citing concerns including noise, traffic and design materials.
Killin Community Council, however, indicated support for the application.
In their decision, national park planners said: “The agent has advised that by moving to a larger premises with a dedicated service yard the Co-operative Group will be able to provide an improved service that will significantly benefit residents and visitors to Killin.
“In addition, as the Co-operative Group own the building from which they currently trade, they propose to subdivide the existing unit into smaller retail units and make these available for lease.
“As part of the development proposals, a total of 33 car parking spaces will be provided along with two spaces for the mobility impaired.
“The current food store is serviced by delivery vehicles which set down on the Main Street in front of the store. To maintain adequate stock levels two delivery vehicles attend the premises in the morning and another vehicle attends in the evening. As a result of the improved access arrangement and service yard and storage capacity, the delivery arrangements will be reduced.”
