Local Co-operative Reaches the Half Century

Friday 3rd August 2007

THERE is something to celebrate at Cornwall Farmers this month, the 50th anniversary of the opening of its first Penzance branch. To mark the occasion there will be an open day at the super country store at Ludgvan Leaze on Wednesday 15th August between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Come and see are celebratory unbeatable deals including 10% off selected items in our clothing, gardening, equestrian and pet ranges, free refreshments will be served.

The first Penzance branch was opened in 1957 at the suggestion of an up and coming sales representative, John Rich. Over the last 50 years the branch has been hugely successful for both the co-operative and also Mr Rich, who rose to become Chief Executive until 1993.

The first branch was located in Jennings Street, just off the harbour but due to year on year growth the branch relocated several times. The current location at Ludgvan Leaze first opened its doors to the general public in 2005. Following a major refurbishment, the retail shop now approaches an area of 1,000 square meters which enables Cornwall Farmers to display its entire range of products from clothing to lawnmowers, from pet food to horse rugs and from washing powder to wellingtons.

Naturally, the co-operative continues to provide unsurpassed services to its farming customers. With these new larger premises came the establishment of the machinery show area and workshop.

"The new premises are fantastic for both our customers and ourselves," stated Andrew Nicholas, Machinery Manager, "we are able to achieve greater levels of customer care in terms of pre-sales and after-sales and maintain the standards required to run a John Deere Gold Standard Dealership. As well as the agricultural machinery sales we also sell and service an extensive range of domestic groundscare equipment, from lawnmowers (both ride-on and walk behind) to wheelbarrows and from blowers to brushes."

The success of the new premises lies in the expansive range of goods stocked and the expert knowledge of the staff. The co-operative prides itself on catering for both the farmer and people that enjoy the countryside. David Worledge, who has been involved with all three sites, from farm sales to site development, said, "We held a similar event when we opened the branch in 2005, many people attended, much business was done and fun was had by everyone! We're planning on an even better day this year; it's what we're all about, farming, families and fun!"