Why Choose a Community-Owned Shop? Benefits, Impact, and Real Stories

At our Woodgate development in West Sussex, we’ve built a local shop that’s run by the people who live there. With help from Plunkett UK, we opened this store just over a year ago to make it easier for everyone to get the everyday essentials they need. The Woodgate Community Shop has quickly become a big part of daily life. 

Here’s why a community-owned shop like this could be great for your area too. 

What Is a Community-Owned Shop? 

A community-owned shop is one that’s genuinely owned and run by local people. It’s not meant to make a profit. Any money it earns goes back into helping the community. 

These shops help small towns and villages keep important services nearby. They also create local jobs, support other nearby businesses and care for the environment. The shop at Woodgate is a great example of how this can work well.

How Are Community-Owned Shops Run? 

Most community shops have both paid staff and volunteers. Some are run only by volunteers, while others hire workers for daily tasks. 

In Woodgate, two employees and lots of volunteers work together. A committee group of local people makes decisions about the shop’s future. Anyone can buy shares and become a member. Members help choose how the shop is run, with all profits going toward local projects.

Do These Shops Succeed? 

Yes, they do! Community shops have a high success rate. Across the country, Plunkett UK helps over 800 community-run businesses. More than half of these are shops. About 94% of them are still going strong. 

Woodgate’s shop planned to make £250,000 in its first year. It hopes to grow to £350,000 in three years—and it’s on track to do that.

How to Get People Involved 

Community support is very important. Anyone can join by buying a share, and each person gets an equal vote. Because profits help local causes, people often feel proud to be part of it. 

Selling high-quality, local products helps too. Additionally, as Woodgate’s shop is next to a café and meeting rooms, it helps hosts events like summer fairs and holiday fun days to engage residents and fundraise.

Tips to Keep Your Shop Going 

Here are some simple ways to make your shop last: 

• Stock the items your community needs. 

• Use local suppliers to help the area grow. 

• Create local jobs and let people volunteer. 

• Regularly invite new people to join the committee. 

• Protect the environment. 

• Make sure everyone feels welcome. 

• Set up a visitor book or feedback box so shoppers can share ideas for improvement. 

“One year on, it is rewarding to hear daily what a valuable resource the shop is to the local community and receive compliments from those visiting for the first time. The Woodgate Community Shop is still a work in progress, though we will continue to listen to our customers and source new products and suppliers to enhance the shopping experience.”  

Debbie, Woodgate Community Shop Manager 

Putting the Community First 

Community shops bring people together and help towns and villages grow stronger. At Woodgate, our shop is now a big part of local life. We’re using what we’ve learned to help other places do the same. 

Want to start one in your area? Check out the resources available on Plunkett UK’s website or get in touch with the charity.