On the original point of clutter, etc.
This shop has had several refits and reorganisations since I first went in there. Back then, Green Lane wasn't used as a place to store empty produce trolleys and waste packaging on anything like the scale it is now. The shop was far busier than it is now and had a greater range of stock for sale. Do they now get less frequent, larger deliveries?
The modern trend started by Tesco and Sainsbury's of bringing out these huge trolleys into the aisles is an attempt to keep the shelves stocked of everything, even at peak hours. It's better to be known as a place where there are trip hazards rather than a place that doesn't stock what you're after. Sadly, the Co-op manages both of these. Although the competition within the village has gone, we are surrounded by superstores in every direction, so it's little wonder some items aren't viable any more.
The general shop staff are usually friendly and happy to help. I don't think any/many have a problem with them. Personally speaking, I'm concerned that the management is prepared to turn a blind eye to the illegal parking that goes on outside their shop in a bid to not offend anyone . Yesterday, when the streetlight outside what was the old hardware store was being looked at, people were STILL parking on the yellow lines, effectively blocking the road to anything larger than a transit van.
The shop needs the support of the village to remain in business, and does very well, even managing to branch out into what should be the stock of the newsagents (not much back scratching going on between the shops, is there?) instead of more food items.
It's never nice criticising a local business, as we would all miss it massively if it wasn't there- of that I have no doubt. However, until issues like yellow line parking, trip hazards and alcohol sales (finding its way into the hands of underage children and the empties dumped on Camping Close, the recreation ground, etc) are resolved, people are always going to have a moan.
