Central Co-op, in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, has been shortlisted for a Retail Week Best New Store Award

A Suffolk store has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Central Co-op, in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, has been shortlisted in the Retail Week Awards' Best New Store Award - small/medium category.

It’s up against 11 other candidates and will find out if it has won on March 20 at Grosvenor House in London.

Following a £620,000 investment, the Stanton store, in Hepworth Road, was designed to be energy self-sufficient with solar panels, LED lighting, and advanced refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

It earned an impressive A+ Energy Performance Certificate rating of -3, making it carbon negative!

As a community hub, the store offers amenities tailored to local needs, including:

Free EV charging points and bike repair stations

An inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for all

Local partnerships supporting food banks, schools and environmental education

The store has been embraced by the community and celebrated for its sustainability, inclusivity and innovative approach to retail.

Best new store contenders:

American Golf, Norwich

Astrid & Miyu, Carnaby Street, London

Boots Opticians, York

B&Q Local, Brighton

Central Co-op, Bury St Edmunds

Hammonds Fitted Furniture, York

PureSeoul, Westfield White City, London

Søstrene Grene, Oxford Street, London

The Fragrance Shop, Oxford Street, London

Vision Express, Oxford Street, London

WHSmith, Birmingham Airport