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Husband-and-wife team Bisi and Mayo Osundeko took over the store in December. It got off to a “flying start” with a new look coupled with an increased range of products.
It is the couple’s first convenience store but they have considerable retail experience, having built up leading online babycare brand Joy and Joe Baby, named after their children.
The Junction Lane store was this week officially opened by the mayor of St Helens, councillor Sue Murphy.
The site, which had been a convenience store and post office for more than 20 years, had fallen into disrepair and needed refurbishment.
Working with Parfetts, the couple undertook significant improvements, including new chillers and more shelves. The store has kept its post office.
Bisi Osundeko runs the 2,000sq ft shop with her husband Mayo and a team of eight staff, retained from the previous operation.
Some have more than 20 years’ experience, having built up strong relationships with long-standing customers.
Bisi Osundeko said: “We have had a dream start with our new store. After spotting the opportunity over a year ago, it is finally a reality for us.
“We are serving the local community by giving them the convenience store that the area has been crying out for many years.
“Living locally, we are well aware of the needs of the local community here in Sutton and the crucial requirement for a post office counter service, which we have overhauled and relaunched to run seven days a week inside our store.
“The store plays an important role in supporting local people in the surrounding community with their everyday shopping needs.
“Many of our regular customers are elderly and rely on the shop. They are over the moon with the new offering.”
Ultimately, the couple would like to open several stores in the region, including a Go Local Extra, but for now, their new store is their priority.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, said: “We’ve been working closely with Bisi and Mayo to get the store ready and ensure it is well designed and fully stocked to meet the needs of her customers.
“As successful entrepreneurs with a proven track record in retail, the couple has embraced the opportunity with genuine enthusiasm.
“It is already translating into strong sales and the availability of own-brand Go Local produce on the shelf means customers are getting value and choice.”
