Staff at a Co-op store in a Suffolk town have reopened the doors today following a five-week renovation project.

The Co-op in Clare closed on October 26 for refurbishment and on Friday December 1, one day later than originally planned, it reopened its doors to customers.

The 2,000 sq ft store in Market Hill, which opens between 7am and 10pm daily and provides 11 local jobs, now has a new look, including an in-store bakery and new refrigeration with an extended range of fresh, chilled and frozen goods.

East Anglian Daily Times: Clare Co-op staff celebrating the reopeningClare Co-op staff celebrating the reopening (Image: Co-op)

A Co-op spokesperson said there would also be a focus on meal ideas, everyday essentials, food-to-go, Fairtrade products, chilled beers and award winning wines, ready meals, pizzas and free-from items in the new store.

There is also a free cash machine and soft plastic recycle unit providing a place for residents to deposit things like crisp packets, bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The refurbishment took five weeksThe refurbishment took five weeks (Image: Co-op)

Emma Dye, manager of Co-op’s Clare store, said: “The store has a great new look, with an enhanced and improved range and choice.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers back into their Co-op. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, and we’ve worked to develop the range, choice and services to create a compelling offer to serve and support our community, conveniently.

East Anglian Daily Times: Inside the newly refurbished Co-op ClareInside the newly refurbished Co-op Clare (Image: Co-op)

"This includes a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

The shop opened at 7am on December 1 and there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10am.

Co op Clare will now be open from 7am to 10pm every day.