New Co-op banners have appeared on the construction fencing at the Lichfield Road retail parade in Stone, suggesting the long awaited store opening may now be getting closer.
The signs, seen on the site this week, include one saying: “Hello, your new FoodCoop in Stone is opening soon.”
Another says: “We’re hiring. Come and join our colleagues. For more details, visit ourcoop.co.uk.”
The visible change follows months of slower progress at the site, which has been watched closely by residents and drivers using Lichfield Road.
Co-op previously told A Little Bit of Stone that it was aiming to officially open the store this summer, and that a “Get to Know Your Coop” session would be held before opening.
That session is expected to give local residents and members the chance to meet the store team, hear more about the shop and ask questions before the doors open.
No confirmed opening date has yet been announced.
A Little Bit of Stone checked the recruitment link shown on the banner, but there do not currently appear to be any Stone roles listed. Further details are still awaited on both recruitment and the opening timetable.
The wider Lichfield Road parade is expected to include the new Co-op, a vets practice, a new chip shop from Queens Fish Bar and EV charging points in the car park. One further unit has also been marketed to complete the line-up.
For readers who have followed the development for some time, the new banners are the clearest public sign yet that occupation and opening may finally be around the corner.
A Little Bit of Stone is awaiting further details and will provide an update when a confirmed opening date is available.
