Is your village store #MoreThanAShop?
Do you know a fantastic Suffolk shop that goes the extra mile for their community? Whether they offer outstanding service, friendship and support, or take extra care of isolated residents, we want to hear about them! Nominate your favourite local store and we’ll acknowledge their kindness and contribution with a special certificate and a place in our gallery and network. Let’s give them the appreciation they deserve!
All #MoreThanAShop stores will receive a lovely window sticker to display, along with their certificate.
More Than A Shop is a Rural Coffee Caravan initiative acknowledging the vital role Suffolk’s rural shops play in helping to address loneliness and isolation across the county. They are more than just provisions stores; we celebrate them for being places of friendship, welcome and connection. For some rural Suffolk residents, the local shop is their primary social interaction, possibly their only one; it is a lifeline for vulnerable residents.
Many rural stores have been quietly going 'above and beyond', long before the Covid 19 pandemic brought them to the forefront, and they continue to go that extra mile today. Staff and volunteers are mindful of the routines and well-being of their regular customers, spotting unusual absences and listening to concerns. Many village shops offer additional services, like home deliveries, providing crucial, regular, and friendly connections.
If you run a shop in a rural Suffolk community, we would love to hear from you!
Do you find that customers come into your store seeking advice or help and you’re not sure where to direct them to? We can help.
Belonging to the More Than A Shop network means The Rural Coffee Caravan can support rural shops to support their customers. We’re on hand for signposting, and we can highlight helpful news, scams and services that can be passed on to customers.
Do you have a space in your shop which could become a little ‘coffee corner’, providing a reason for customers to tarry a little while for a hot brew and a chat?
The wonderful team at CoffeeLink of Ipswich are kindly offering their support to this initiative! CoffeeLink are long standing supporters of the Rural Coffee Caravan and generously provide us with the delicious ground coffee we take out on our village visits. They are able to provide a Bravilor Bonamat Quick Filter Coffee Machine and CoffeeLink coffee, at discounted prices, to any rural Suffolk shop joining the More Than A Shop initiative.
Access and share our 'More Than A Shop' flyer by clicking below.