The East of England Co-op said it has found a purchaser for its Walberswick food store.
Situated in the seaside village of Walberswick, the store, affectionately known as the Tuck Shop, was saved from closure by the East of England Co-op in July 2012. Now, the village store is set to be purchased by local residents.
The new owners have brought in experienced local store managers Ben and Gaia Woolnough to oversee the day-to-day running of the store. For the past eight years Ben has managed the popular Bridgefoot Stores in nearby Reydon.
“We’re very proud to have been the custodians of the Tuck Shop for the past 13 years and now is the right time for the store to be managed and run by the local community for the local community,” Stuart McDonald, chief property officer at the East of England Co-op, said.
“We have no doubt that Ben and Gaia will do a fantastic job and create a village store that will be much loved by both the villagers and the visitors to Walberswick.”
Ben Woolnough said: “We are excited to have an opportunity to help keep this special shop thriving, in the heart of this unique village. Our plan is to bring in other local suppliers of wonderful produce, and to keep the community and the environment at the forefront of our mind. We’re hoping to bring joy, as well as pasta and toothpaste. And it’s our mission to make the Tuck Shop both inclusive and delicious - ready to serve Walberswick at the start of the Tuck Shop's second 50 years.”
The sale process is being managed by specialist retail property advisor Christie & Co.
“We are proud to be involved in this transaction, where there is a strong connection between the buyer and the local community,” Lewis Last, associate director at Christie & Co, said. “The store attracted significant interest, with multiple offers received, making it particularly rewarding to see the sellers and buyers so aligned in their vision.”
Employees at the store are expected to transfer under TUPE, protecting jobs and ensuring customers will continue to be served by store manager Rosie and the team.
Subject to completion of legal requirements, it is hoped the store will be up and running under new management in autumn 2025.
