THE COUNTDOWN to the opening of Stourport’s new supermarket has begun as staff members start to stack the shelves.

The new Tesco store, which has been built on the old Carpets of Worth site, has received the finishing touches to its structure and the keys have been handed over from site manager Andy Pennell to store manager Chris Collins ready for its grand opening on Thursday (September 25).

With less than two weeks to go, staff have now started stocking the shelves and completing the final preparations for the new 30,000 sq. ft. store.

This will be the third new store launch for manager Mr Collins. He said: “We are delighted that we have reached this important stage of the development. We are all really eager to get into the store and to start stocking shelves and outing finishing touches ahead of our opening in a week or so.”

The new store will have fresh food counters, including fresh meat and fish, deli, hot chicken, olives and fresh pizza, will stock a wide selection of groceries including a variety of fresh fruit and veg, dairy and bakery products, and will also feature a range of F&F clothing and a Click+Collect Tesco direct service.

Once the Severn Road supermarket is open, the Tesco Metro in Lombard Street will close and the existing 50 staff members will join the new 185 recruits at its new home.

“We are delighted that will be offering Stourport shoppers more choice and convenience with their new store and I am confident that our team of colleagues will offer first class customer service,” added Mr Collins.

The store will open at 8am, on Thursday, September 25, and the official launch will start at 10am with a £1,000 donation to a local charity and ribbon cutting ceremony. There will also be complimentary refreshments, including cake and champagne, for customers.

Chris said: “As a store we are committed to supporting our local community and we are delighted that we can highlight our support at the opening event. We have a number of initiatives to support our area once the doors are open.

“We look forward to seeing customers at our launch event.”