Company Shop, the UK’s leading food redistribution supermarket that offers surplus products from well-known brands at amazing prices, has opened in Darlington.

The store, which prevents good food and household products from going to waste, provides members will have access to high-quality, low-cost food and products, including those from big-name brands such as Marks and Spencer, Nestle, Tesco and Coco Cola, which are on average around 50% off the normal retail price.

As families across the region face increased challenges due to the national lockdown, Company Shop Darlington is supporting key workers to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from food shopping at low prices. Membership now covers almost all key workers, including those working in the NHS, social care, emergency services, FMCG supply chain, British Army, prison services, schools and the council, amongst others.

In order to reach families most in need across the region, particularly in light of school closures, Company Shop Darlington has also extended its membership to those in receipt of means tested benefits, including families with children receiving Free School Meals (FSM). All eligible individuals and families need to do is sign up for a free membership card online.

As an essential retailer, Company Shop Darlington will open and operate as planned, despite the national lockdown restrictions, with all appropriate safety measures in place to safeguard its members and colleagues. Company Shop is also providing additional membership cards for family and friends of members so that they can shop on their behalf, to support those who are shielding, unable to access the store or working on the front-line.

Steph McGinty, Deputy Managing Director for Company Shop said:

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are proud to serve a membership which is made up of many key workers, who are continuing to do a brilliant job on the frontline. We are also pleased to be providing a source of support to those on welfare support, as we know this is a particularly difficult time for many families. We want to encourage all those eligible for membership to sign up online as soon as they can, so that they can benefit from the great offers available straight away."

“We know that many local businesses will also be looking at how they can help the community at this time, and we’d encourage any that are interested in doing something positive with their surplus to get in touch.”