Your Co-op Food opens in Areley Kings near Stourport

Your Co-op Food has opened a new store in Areley Kings, near Stourport, at the same site as Jim Perry's family business.

Jim, also known as 'Mr Stourport', opened a village shop on Areley Common in 1956 with ambitions to serve his local community with a purpose-designed village store.

Almost 50 years later, at the age of 78, he fulfilled his ambition, opening a bigger local shopping experience and post office across the road from his original shop.

Dedicating his life to serving his community, he went on to become the youngest-ever chairman of the Stourport Urban District Council.

Your Co-op Food is now continuing this legacy by providing convenience shopping on the same site as his business.

Jim at the opening of his supermarket in Areley Kings in 2006 (Image: NQ)

Having passed away in July 2020 at the age of 92, Jim’s dedication and commitment to the local area will be remembered with a plaque dedicated to his memory which has been installed on the storefront.

The Your Co-op Food store will offer essential grocery items, from fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and flowers to a range of wines, spirits and chilled beers. It will also remain the home to the village’s Post Office.

Dean Pulpett, store manager at Your Co-op Food Areley Kings, said: “When you hear about Jim Perry’s dedication to this community, it makes us proud and excited to be continuing in his footsteps as part of the rich heritage of the site’s original village shop so many years ago.

“We are investing further in the local area, serving and supporting the community by providing convenience, quality choice, as well as opportunities to do good together. We can’t wait to welcome customers and members through our doors.”

The stores’ opening hours will be extended to 7am to 10pm every day throughout the week.