How Simon from Wem Food is Doing good together
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 25 Sep 2024 in Colleagues
As part of our Doing Good Together Fund (DGTF) launch, we’re celebrating managers who have strong relationships with their local communities. Today we’re speaking to Simon Thornley, Store Manager at Wem Food.
Q: Simon, how did the Wem store become such a focal point for the local community?
Over time we have built up long-standing relationships with lots of local groups, allowing them to use the store as a place to promote their groups or to do their own fundraising for prize draws etc. Off the back of this, by word of mouth and social media we then get approached by other groups.
We have an advantage in Wem in that there are a lot of small villages within a 7-10-mile radius of the store, which combined with us being the only large store in the town means we are a focal point for a lot of our members and customers as a place to meet and shop.
Q: We hear you work closely with local schools. How did that come about?
We have done a few things with St Peters Primary (and other local schools) over the years, from donations of goods, hampers for fetes and other events, and also using the store for schoolwork.
Recently we had two year 1 groups visit who were looking at 'Where Food Comes From'. They had a tour of the store, including the back areas, so they got a flavour of how food gets onto the shelves. We gave them each a bag for life, fruit and a cookie baked in the store to take home.
On top of this, we always have a year group from St Peter in at Christmas singing carols which the older customers love, and we run seasonal colouring competitions where the winners receive a small prize.
Q: Have you got any tips for other managers looking to build relationships in their communities?
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Always try to find a way to support anyone who approaches. You may not be able to help in the way they want, but you may be able to support them in other ways.
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It doesn't have to be always about large donations. Sometimes the smallest things make a massive difference to a group, like giving your time or offering your expertise.
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We have a couple of groups that meet up once a month and we supply them with a couple of cakes and a few biscuits. The cost is next to nothing but everyone who attends these groups knows we do it and are constantly thanking us when they are in shopping.
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Keep an eye on local social media groups, as there is always something out there to investigate (e.g. there is a Wem Community Page).
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Don't be afraid to approach local schools about supporting them, especially primary schools.
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Word of mouth is massive. It’s free and can go a long way.
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Some things will be slow burners, but with constant support these can build. A few years ago, we got involved with Wem Civic Society in setting up a Harvest Market for the town. It was very small scale to start, and all we did was provide a prize for a draw and helped with flyers. The market is now thriving. We just help promote it and provide a hamper for their prize draw, but we still get recognition in all marketing for it due to our initial support.
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But at the same time, if you feel your support is being taken for granted, then it can be worth reviewing and pulling back.
Find out more about the Doing Good Together Fund(DGTF) here and watch this space for more DGTF managers’ stories.