The big picture: The East of England Co-op is refurbishing twelve stores across the region, with two in Ipswich receiving eco-friendly improvements.
Why it matters: The upgrades at the Belstead Hills and Rands Way stores will reduce CO2 emissions and introduce new services designed to help local shoppers and the environment.
Co-op, Belstead Hills
The Belstead Hills store will close from 10pm on 12 October and reopen at 7am on 22 October.
Co-op, Rands Way
The Rands Way store will shut from 10pm on 29 October and reopen at 6am on 5 December.
Key details:
Both Ipswich stores will get solar panels, potentially saving 13 tonnes of CO2 per year.
New refrigeration units could cut emissions by up to 57 tonnes annually across all four Suffolk stores.
Rands Way will introduce a new "to-go" food range, including fresh coffee and hot food.
What they're saying: Andy Rigby, Chief Operating Officer at the East of England Co-op, said: "We're excited to announce these stores are to be part of our ongoing refurbishment programme, and we're excited to introduce services that will greatly enhance the experience for our members and customers. The improvements will make shopping easier and more enjoyable, while also reflecting our commitment to being environmentally conscious."
The bottom line: The refurbishments aim to improve shopping experience while reducing environmental impact, aligning with growing consumer interest in sustainable retail practices.
