A flagship alternative supermarket in Warrington has been praised for its commitment to providing local produce and creating jobs by Council Leader Ian Marks.
Asco Stores Ltd (Asco) opened an 11,000 sq ft supermarket in the former Woolworth’s store on Sankey Street on Saturday, creating 65 jobs in Warrington.
The new store, which aims to offer customers value by selling products from local suppliers, was officially opened by Councillor Marks.
Now Councillor Marks has spoken of how impressed he is with the business, which is on course to open an additional 11 stores across the North West by summer 2010.
He said: “Firstly the tremendous enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved in the venture. It’s very infectious.
“The Council has been working very closely with Asco on a scheme to get people who were previously unemployed into work. I think 18 people have joined the company through this scheme, which is wonderful. Council staff have told me what a helpful and co-operative employer they have been.”
“I am also impressed by the commitment to selling local food and produce and using local contractors to do work in getting the store ready. Local food is very much an up and coming thing and I’m sure they’re backing a winner here.”
Asco plans to create up to 3,000 jobs within the next three years by establishing a network of 30 supermarkets across the North and North West.
Pictures show Council leader Ian Marks officially opening the new Asco store in Warrington town centre with MD Dave Laney.
Praise for alternative Asco store
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
Just what warrington needs – another retail establishment!
Now what was it Napolean once said about us becoming a nation of shopkeepers!?
Warrington town centre needs MORE “retail establishments” and less charity shops in my opinion – it sounds like Asco is just what the town centre needs – they are providing a much needed service, employing people, supporting other local businesses and filling an empty retail space. All good as far as I’m concerned.
I was intrigued to see ASCO on the windows of the former M&S store in Formby and looked you up on net. Delighted that retail space is to be filled and am happy to become a VIP! I look forward to the opening of the new shop and wish it well.
Asco does not pay it’s bills!!! We helped to perpare the Warrington Asco Store for opening and have outstanding invoices from November last year! I do not expect them to be around for very long and hope that local businesses in Formby are aware that they have not paid the tradesmen from their 1st store. They already have CCJ’s against them and are being took to court in May (17th) for a Winding up order, if this is successful they will be forced to close. The Warrington store, which is also the Head Office is also closed..It’s just a shame that they can walk away from their debts and we will be forced to pay ours.