Food and Beverage Business
Consumer

Devon convenience store gets a refurbishment with monetary aid from US tech entrepreneurs.

Devon convenience store gets a refurbishment with monetary aid from US tech entrepreneurs. aid, convenience, convenience store, Devon, entrepreneurs, fund, monetary, refurbishment, store, tech, US Food and Beverage Business

The quaint village of Woolsery in North Devon has garnered attention thanks to the investments of US tech millionaire couple Michael and Xocchi Birch, founders of the social networking site Bebo. After selling Bebo for $850m in 2010, the couple turned their eyes towards the struggling Torridge village. They began by investing in the pub and fish and chip shop before shifting their focus to the convenience store.

Michael Birch holds a deep connection to Woolsery, with ancestors who owned the village store in the 1930s. The store had fallen into disrepair, but Birch and his team put in the effort to revitalize it. After undergoing a top-to-bottom refurbishment, it has an attractive new entrance, a stylish tiled floor, and dark wooden shelving. The redesigned store pays homage to its historic roots and includes restored original signage with the J.Andrew name.

The post office within the store has been retained, and the store now sells an array of items. Everyday highlights include bread, milk, tinned goods, and biscuits, along with locally made pasties and sausage rolls. For the more gourmet shopper, the store also carries artisan cakes and specialty spreads. To accommodate varying diets, the store offers healthy meal options.

The village locals appreciate the store’s stunning new appearance. Kaylea Reeves, operations manager of J.Andrew, notes that the refurbishment has been an immense hit with the community. J.Andrew began using Nisa as a wholesaler in February 2022, allowing them to retain their unique branding. Reeves felt that working with Nisa was the smart choice as it enabled them to remain 100% independent.

Emily Harmon, managing director of J.Andrew, collaborates with Michael and Xocchi Birch on restoration and refurbishment projects. The couple provides feedback and discusses opportunities. Reeves added, “We have some super bright crazy artwork in the shop as well, which we thought might be controversial, but actually, everyone seems to love it.”

In summary, the refurbished J.Andrew store in Woolsery is a must-visit for anyone seeking everyday essentials or specialty items. Birch and his team’s investment has transformed the former outdated and cramped store into a beautiful and unique shopping experience that residents of Woolsery and visitors alike adore.

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