Plans by The People’s Supermarket to invest in its Holborn store in London were hanging in the balance as Convenience Store went to press.

The social enterprise had launched a campaign, via crowdfunding website Buzzbnk, to raise £25,000 in just 60 days to fund major improvements to its kitchen areas and upgrade store furniture.

However, with just 18 days remaining, the store had raised only £570, all of which will have to be returned to contributors if the target sum is not reached.

“Installing a commercial kitchen will enable us to build on the success of our waste food, while installing a lift and disabled access toilet will help us to be an inclusive community, something we really value,” co-founder Kate Wickes Bull wrote in an urgent email to members and affiliates.

The People’s Supermarket unveiled a new website this week which features a number of new developments including the introduction of an online store. Shoppers can now purchase all their groceries online before collecting them in person at the store itself.

People’s store faces funding shortfall

Source

Gaelle Walker