SHOPPERS are being urged to support a Renfrewshire supermarket which has been providing key workers with bargain-priced food and household items during the Covid pandemic.

Company Shop Renfrew, in Blythswood Retail Park, has been working with major retailers, manufacturers and brands across the UK to redistribute surplus food and household products that are on average around 50% off the normal retail price.

Membership is free and open to almost all key workers, as well as temporarily to those working in schools and for councils.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don recently enjoyed a tour of the supermarket, where she met Gemma Edlin, head of retail for the Company Shop Group, and learned all about their business model.

Ms Don told The Gazette: “I was delighted to visit Company Shop Renfrew and find out about the store’s progress in the 20 months since its launch – including its employment of 42 staff and their rapidly expanding customer base consisting of more than 48,000 locally registered members, making it the largest of the company’s premises in Scotland. 

“It was great to hear that membership has been temporarily extended during the Covid-19 pandemic to people employed by nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and housing associations, as well as those receiving means-tested benefits, so they too can also access substantially discounted food that would otherwise go to waste.”

Ms Edlin added: “We were really pleased to welcome Natalie to Company Shop Renfrew and show her all of the great work that has been taking place since the store opened, benefitting local families and helping to tackle surplus in the area. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with Natalie to support those in Renfrewshire and beyond.”