Costcutter goes big on pop-ups amid coronavirus outbreak

Costcutter has opened a mobile pop-up store in the Yorkshire village of Fangfoss, helping residents access everyday essentials during the coronavirus epidemic.

This is the second outing for its pop-up store which was recently up and running through the refurbishment of a company owned store in Dunnington. It includes a core range of essential products, such as store cupboard staples, fresh and frozen goods, and beers, wines and spirits.

In line with government guidelines, social distancing measures will be in place and the store will operate a one shopper in, one shopper out system. It will also offer home delivery on orders for elderly and vulnerable customers, working alongside Fangfoss Parish Council.

Mike Hollis, Retail Director at Costcutter, says: “The Fangfoss pop-up will provide a vital shopping service for the local community and our team are working hard to ensure that elderly and vulnerable customers are able to benefit from the store, with home deliveries where possible and allocated timeslots through the week.”

NHS initiative

Costcutter has also built 20 pop-up stores in NHS hospitals to serve doctors and nurses who are unable to get to the shops. It worked with catering giant Compass on the project.

The unbranded stores will be manned by the hospitals’ restaurant staff and mainly make use of existing equipment within the hospitals for the display of products.

Andrew Jones, Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Managing Director of Healthcare Retail, comments: “At this time of unprecedented demand on NHS staff, it is vital that they have easy access to everyday essentials. By putting in place these pop-up stores, we can take away a small amount of the pressure they are feeling at this challenging time.”