Posted by musicianswidow, 20th April 2010 at 8:58PM

What will happen to the post office?

Posted by Silenzi, 3rd May 2010 at 8:04PM
Edited By Silenzi, 3rd May 2010 at 8:06PM

From the OFT's website. Doesn't really say much apart from the acquisition by Asda being 'anticipated':

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/resource_base/Mergers_home/Mergers_Cases/2010/Asda

Posted by Belvoir, 4th May 2010 at 8:31AM

I think its ridiculous that the CO-OP are letting such a prime site go!! They could have made it into a 'flagship'store!

Posted by Adamski, 4th May 2010 at 11:17AM
Edited By Adamski, 4th May 2010 at 11:19AM

If that was a 'prime site' and could have made it into a 'flagship' store, they should have done it ages ago as it's looked tired for years. The smaller Co-op stores are now the main ones throughout the group that are bringing in the income, they've just redone the store in Poynton and the store and Heald Green that was built a few years ago is about a similar size.

I asked a mate of mine who works for the Co-op about Shopping Giant and he said there are only 3-4 in the country, loosely affiliated with the Co-op group so they get the products and offers but not the improvements. They've probably been looking to sell them off since acquiring half the Somerfield stores in the UK. Morrisons got the other half of Somerfield.

Posted by grover, 4th May 2010 at 2:15PM
Edited By grover, 4th May 2010 at 2:15PM

Anyone remember their old co-op number? In the '40's ours was 3063. I think you got stamps to put in a booklet but not sure. Memory hazy!

Posted by Adora, 4th May 2010 at 2:23PM

I remember green shield stamps Grover - we had a right stock of ashtrays curtesy of those things! I remember a biscuit tin packed with cards from fag packets as well - never did find out what you could buy with those but I got a lot of birthday and Christmas presents with the word Dunhill emblazened on 'em! ;-D

Posted by seymourbutts, 4th May 2010 at 4:29PM

The Co-op supplied their own stamps, not Green Shield, which could be redeemed in-store. A 1970s version of the modern-day Nectar card. I remember as a kid licking the stamps and placing them in the albums for my mum.

Posted by Coleman, 5th May 2010 at 9:18AM

Large Stores aren't part of the 'coop business plan' any more, they simply can't compete with the 'big boys' (asda, sainsburys, tesco, etc) so they are focusing on their smaller stores where they can charge the higher prices and still make enough sales!

Nobody in their right mind would do a full shop in the coop, it would cost a fortune and the food's not great (very ethical, but not great quality).

Posted by JohnEllis, 10th May 2010 at 3:09PM

The Great Moor Co-op's been recently revamped and painted in the new green Co-op colours, while Hazel Grove continues to rust and fester ... seems to support your argument, Coleman ...

But it was a "flagship store" once, from what I can remember, Belvoir. I used to shop there sometimes after I moved to Hawk Green in 1994, and it seemed smart enough then.

But it was always a bit pricey. On the other hand, they sometimes really slash the prices on stuff close to sell-by date. I usually take a look to see if I can grab a bargain.

And they're the only place hereabouts that sells tripe. I love it with chips - shows I'm a northerner to my roots!!

Posted by Coleman, 10th May 2010 at 3:15PM

I'd get yourself some fresh stuff from Hazeldines! I have to say since i've (only recently) started shopping in there, i've come to realize how much better (if not a little dearer) a proper butchers is.

That said i really can't condone eating offal! But whatever floats your boat as they say!