Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Shop at Strood Green
Why do we need to re-open a local shop?
When the former Strood Green Store and Post Office closed, many local people were devastated. A shop gives a community a focal point. Over and above that, for those who are less mobile it's a lifeline.
Who is involved?
The Strood Green Shop Association (SGSA) is a small group of people who live locally and who have campaigned to save the shop. We have formed an Industrial and Provident Society. That means we are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and answerable to everyone who buys a share in the community shop. All shareholders have voting rights so by becoming a shareholder you can influence the shop's future.
Who is going to run it?
The shop will be run by the SGSA board, whose members will be elected by the shareholders. They will appoint a manager, who will be a paid employee, to manage the shop on a day to day basis. The shop will be run on a not-for-profit basis and staffed initially by local volunteers. If it's a success, we may be able to offer paid part-time work to local people, which would be another bonus of the project.
How will it be financed?
With your help the renovation and start up costs of £60,000 will come from fundraising. We are also looking at all possible options for grant funding. After that it will be down to all of us to make the shop a success so that it can break even and stay open for years to come.
Is the Post Office coming back?
No. Post Office Ltd. has refused to entertain any suggestion of re-opening the sub-Post Office. The community shop will offer a variety of postal services though, including post and parcel services, as well as help with online procedures e.g. passport applications and bill payments. There will also be a cashback facility.
What about the impact on other shops?
We are simply replacing a facility that already existed and we are being careful to keep all local businesses up to date with our plans. Everyone has been very supportive and we are very grateful for that. Generally speaking, having a number of successful businesses in one area leads to more business for everyone.
What will The Shop at Strood Green sell?
Shareholders will help to decide that, and we are listening to all suggestions. It will be a general store with the focus on supplying people with the goods and services they demand. We are also determined to make sure that it supports local enterprise, however new or small. We want it to be an attractive place where local individuals and businesses will want to sell their goods.
When will the shop open?
We need funds urgently. With enough financial support, and with enough people contributing their time and skills it could be open as early as this summer. It's really all down to you and each of us living locally to push the plans forward.
How can people get involved?
It's simple. Just get in touch with us via email or phone. To make a community shop work we will need a variety of talents and skills, and a lot of hard work. That means a lot of volunteers. We are very grateful to the people who have volunteered so far but we need many, many more. This shop will be what you make it. We can guarantee that by helping you will get lots of satisfaction and have a great deal of fun along the way.