East of England Co-op confirms purchasers found for Walberswick Food store

The East of England Co-op has today confirmed it has found a purchaser for its Walberswick Food store.

Situated in the seaside village of Walberswick, the Food store, affectionately known as the Tuck Shop, was saved from closure by the East of England Co-op in July 2012. Now, the village store is set to be purchased by local residents.

The day to day running of the store will be overseen by husband-and-wife Ben and Gaia Woolnough. For the past eight years Ben has managed the popular Bridgefoot Stores in nearby Reydon.

Chief Property Officer, Stuart McDonald, at the East of England Co-op, said: “We’re very proud to have been the custodians of the Tuck Shop for the past 13 years and now is the right time for the store to be managed and run by the local community for the local community. We have no doubt that Ben and Gaia will do a fantastic job and create a village store that will be much loved by both the villagers and the visitors to Walberswick.”

Ben Woolnough said: “We are excited to have an opportunity to help keep this special shop thriving, in the heart of this unique village. Our plan is to bring in other local suppliers of wonderful produce, and to keep the community and the environment at the forefront of our mind. We’re hoping to bring joy, as well as pasta and toothpaste. And it’s our mission to make the Tuck Shop both inclusive and delicious - ready to serve Walberswick at the start of the Tuck Shop's second 50 years.”

The sale process is being managed by specialist retail property advisor Christie & Co. Lewis Last, Associate Director, said: “We are proud to be involved in this transaction, where there is a strong connection between the buyer and the local community. The store attracted significant interest, with multiple offers received, making it particularly rewarding to see the sellers and buyers so aligned in their vision. The new owners have the community at the forefront of their thinking, hence their decision to bring in experienced local store managers, Ben and Gaia Woolnough, and we look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”

Employees at the store are expected to transfer under TUPE, protecting jobs and ensuring customers will continue to be served by store manager Rosie and the team.

Subject to completion of legals, it is hoped the store will be up and running under new management in autumn 2025.