New look Coleraine Tesco opened with a ‘little help’ from Molly and wee Caolan

Members of the public got their first glimpse of the new-look store when it was officially re-opened on by the mayor of Coleraine, councillor Sam Cole, with a ‘little help’ from two members of the local community – 100-year-old Molly Robertson and seven year old Caolan McGuigan who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome.

Molly, who lives at Rathain Fold, is a regular shopper at Tesco and has been since her local store at Coleraine was built.

For little Caolan McGuigan being responsible for the official ribbon cutting is a dream come true.

His mum Erin explains: “He is a beautiful child and never complains about the round of appointments and assessments he has to attend.

“He has also had a difficult summer as his little sister was in hospital for a number of weeks and as a single parent I was unable to support him during this time.

“He had to move in with my parents and struggled not being in his own home. He has always said that his dream was to go to a grand opening and cut the ribbon.”

The store has undergone a major refurbishment including the introduction of the popular click ‘n collect service and a new look bakery with an increased range of products including the award-winning Tesco Finest wheatens, sodas and scones supplied by Genesis Bakery in Magherafelt.

In addition the store has been redecorated and improvements have been carried out to the customer toilet facilities.

The Coleraine store has also benefitted from an increased range of non-food items, new DIY and Car Care ranges, more toys, more toiletries and new look counters.

According to Tesco Store Director Stephen Cochrane the new look on show at Coleraine is a firm demonstration of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to offering customers the widest possible range of locally sourced products.

“These stores already stock produce from local companies such as WD Irwin & Sons, Wilson’s Country, Gilfresh, Dale Farm, Tayto and Coca Cola Hellenic (the NI-based bottling company for the Coca Cola brand) so it’s great to be able to add even more local favourites for our customers in this part of Northern Ireland.”