The Village Stores, first set up in Rushlake Green and now occupying a prime spot in Heathfield High Street, is making major changes to the interior of the shop, making it more customer friendly.
In May this year the Rushlake Green branch was the 2026 South East of England winner in the Countryside Alliance Awards, Village Shop/Post Office category. The awards, also known as the Rural Oscars, are the Alliance's annual celebration of British food, farming, heritage and community life.
The Heathfield store has made its reputation in the town centre by selling local projects, particularly sourdough bread, cheeses and hams and sandwiches from their Bread Shed.
They've done market research and spoken to customers about their perceptions of the shop. These included: "We didn't know you were there" and "I've always thought you'd be very expensive."
So to address these concerns, the shop closed for two days this week so changes to the layout could be made. The counter is being moved to the back of the shop making the entrance open and clear, welcoming and 'less scary' for new customers.
Fridges will move to the front of the shop so people can see deli products, sandwiches, dips, local yoghurts and meat from the window. A gondola will showcase cakes, organic products, Christmas items and some items not available in the local supermarkets.
It's hoped customers will appreciate these changes and they will encourage even more people to visit.