The Picket Twenty Co-op store in Andover will be among a select number opening on Christmas Day, helping local residents access essential items and offering a friendly point of contact during the festive period.
Southern Co-op has confirmed that its Picket Twenty store in Andover will open on 25 December, as part of a limited Christmas Day service across the South. The decision follows feedback from colleagues who volunteered to work in order to support their communities.
While most retailers will close for the day, the Andover store will open from 10am to 2pm, giving residents the chance to pick up last-minute essentials – from forgotten Christmas dinner ingredients to batteries for new toys or supplies for unexpected guests.
Southern Co-op says the initiative reflects its co-operative values, with colleagues choosing to give their time for a variety of reasons, including supporting neighbours, valuing social connection, or not personally marking Christmas Day themselves.
Simon Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Co-op, said:
“Christmas Day looks different for everyone, but having access to essentials can make a real difference.
“Whether it’s picking up ingredients for a festive meal, helping a neighbour, or simply providing a friendly interaction for someone who may be spending the day alone, our colleagues understand the importance of this and have put themselves forward to open selected stores for a short time.”
Alongside meeting practical needs, the Christmas Day opening also offers a welcome point of contact for anyone who might otherwise feel isolated during the day.
Southern Co-op has confirmed that just over a third of its retail estate will open for limited hours on Christmas Day, including selected convenience stores and petrol forecourts across the region.
Residents can find more information via Southern Co-op’s website or in-store notices.