Tesco in Whiteley loses its cafe and counters - but gets its first major overhaul in 20 years

Tesco Superstore, in Whiteley Way, at Whiteley Shopping Centre, has been undergoing a major refit.

The extensive work marks the store’s first major refurbishment in 20 years.

It was one of the first shops to open in the new town of Whiteley, at the original outlet centre Whiteley Village in 1999, and it was the only store to transfer to the new shopping centre when it was demolished and rebuilt, reopening in 2013.

Areas of the store remained open throughout October and November while new fridges, shelving, toilets, office space and a new area for the F&F clothing range were installed in areas previously occupied by the counters and the cafe, which have now closed.

From Monday, November 23 customers will be able to see the store’s new interior in its entirety.

There had been plans for an elaborate opening ceremony and entertainment on the day, but these had to be cancelled because of lockdown.

However, a balloon arch and ribbon-cutting ceremony by store manager Andy Grainger will be outside the store on Monday at 10am.

Caroline Mannell, community champion at the store, said: ‘People have been impressed by the fact that everything is being renewed.

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‘We’ve made a significant investment and it all looks so good. It’ll give our customers an even better experience when they shop here.’

The store employs 140 people, with many of them having worked there 10 and even 20 years.

Caroline added: ‘We’ve always felt it’s really important to employ and support local people. Customers who came here with their parents are now coming here with their own children.

‘It’s a lovely place to be, and that’s because of the people we work with and the people who shop here.

‘We’re very community-minded. We help local churches, food banks, schools and the RSPCA, particularly through the pandemic. When lockdown began we were contacting all the local nursing homes to make sure they had enough food.

‘We will of course be continuing this essential community work during these challenging times, and we look forward to welcoming customers, new and old, to see the refurbishment from Monday onwards.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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