Doncaster retailer brings forward opening of new store to support community

A retailer in Doncaster has brought forward the opening of his second store to further support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kopi Kalanathan opened a new Costcutter convenience store on Tadcaster Road on 9 April. He also owns a Costcutter store at Station Retail Park in Kirk Sandal.

“Now more than ever, I want to support our local community to ensure they have everything they need at this challenging time,” Kalanathan said.

“This is why we have introduced services such as home delivery and brought forward the opening of our new Tadcaster Road store.”

The new store needs some finishing touches, such as installing the new fascia, which Kalanathan intends to complete after the crisis.

The 2,600 sq ft store offers a wide range of everyday items, including store cupboard staples, fresh and frozen goods and beer, wines and spirits. The store will also offer a slush station, vape store, Payzone and self-service checkouts.

“I’m proud the shop fitting team worked quickly and safely to help us open, so that shoppers have local access to the essential items they need,” he added.

In response to the pandemic, Kalanathan has introduced hand washing stations outside of his both stores. A one-way system has been instituted, in addition to clear signage and floor stickers, at the stores to ensure social distancing guidance.

Kalanathan is also offering free delivery for the vulnerable and NHS workers across both stores, as well as offering nurses, ambulance staff and police officers free coffee, breakfast and lunch. He will also be reserving essential stock for local nursing homes to ensure elderly residents can place orders for vital items.

“The measures we have introduced across stores are designed to help keep our staff and shoppers safe, as well as supporting those that aren’t able to visit in person or are busy delivering critical services for our community,” he said.