ESS launches first self-service Community Store

ESS has collaborated with Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to create The Community Store. The fully self-service convenience outlet is underpinned by a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of the site population through engagement and partnering with local initiatives and charities.

The store brings together fresh food-to-go, made in-house under the Deli Delicious brand, and major names such as Starbucks, Co-op, F’real and Chicago Town pizzas. It also meets the ‘food for later’ needs of customers with a carefully selected range of ambient, chilled and frozen products, as well as non-food items.

Multiple self-service cashless tills reduce queuing and full integration with the ESS App ensures loyalty rewards come as standard. Realising the importance of human interaction for customers, a host guides and assists customers on the shop floor rather than from behind a till barrier, while following strict social distancing guidelines.

Mark Webster, managing director – ESS Defence, offshore and remote, said: “ESS community stores are purpose-led and each one is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the location and customers. We have developed this offer over two years in partnership with the DIO and Ministry of Defence, so we’re pleased our first store has now launched and we’re looking forward to evolving the offer and strengthening our relationships based on feedback.”