Community Shops:
Case Study
Helen Melia
Founder member, Strood Green Shop Association
Brief history
• Deteriorating privately owned village shop
• Village offers to buy in 2005. Declined, shop CLOSED
• In 2008, new owners offered a peppercorn lease to
the community
• £80,000 needed
for complete refurb,
fittings and new stock
Fundraising begins
And continues....
Collating 1500 share packs
Community engagement
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Formed an Industrial & Provident Society
Sold £10 shares (over 400 shareholders)
Fundraising events
Applied for grants
Took out a loan
Opened as a community-run
shop in March 2009
Transformed....
From open days....
To Opening Day!
A shop to be proud of
Our first Christmas
What it offers the community
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Employs local people
Employs & trains teenagers
Rota of volunteers
Offers postal services
Sells local produce
Internet cafe
Free wi-fi
Free library
Social hub
The need for the shop
• A lifeline in bad weather
• Meeting place &
rallying point
• Reduction in food miles
• Reduction of car journeys
• Supports the local economy
• Community spirit
What does it stock?
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Everything!
Local produce
Groceries
Sweeties
Alcohol
Fresh veg
Bakery
How does it work?
• Society is run by Management Committee
(all volunteers) elected by Members
• Paid staff report
to Committee
• Volunteers
support staff
Support from outside
• County councillor very supportive – helped
obtain grants
• Parish council also supportive
regular funding
• Rural community council
facilitated a grant
• The Plunkett Foundation
for finance, advice & training