Lincolnshire Co-op’s Carlton Food Store wins ‘Team of the Year’
The team at Lincolnshire Co-op’s Carlton Food Store in South Yorkshire has been awarded the prestigious ‘Team of the Year’ title at the People in Retail Awards, and it’s easy to see why. From the very beginning, this team has exemplified what it means to work together with dedication, resilience, and a genuine commitment to both their customers and the community.
Commenting on the win, Steve Leach, Chief Operating Officer said: “What a fantastic evening, where our team at Carlton Food store won Team of the Year for the fantastic work they do in bringing together our proposition and how they engage with their customers and communities. We’re extremely proud of Lyndsay and Scott and this team achievement, but also of Lynn Hallam, who was nominated for Manager of the year. Lynn is our champion, and we had a great evening celebrating the team’s success.”
A journey of exceptional teamwork and dedication
The team’s journey began at their very first recruitment day, where they displayed an incredible bond, teamwork, and positivity. Their collaborative spirit was so evident that the store manager was willing to offer positions to everyone present. Even before the store’s grand opening, this group of individuals set a new company record by signing up 217 new members, showing their enthusiasm for the Lincolnshire Co-op brand and mission.
Overcoming challenges with resilience
Their path to success wasn’t without obstacles. Facing delays with electricity supply and a breakdown of their generator, the team rallied together to ensure the store opened on time, despite having only seven days to prepare instead of the usual ten. Their unwavering dedication ensured the store was ready, fully stocked, and operational
Record-breaking achievements
Within just three weeks of opening, the team continued their impressive streak by signing up an additional 1,100 members, a testament to their exceptional community engagement and customer service. This effort not only broke membership records but also translated into incredible sales results. In the first two days, they surpassed previous sales records, and by the end of the first week, they had exceeded that too.
Commitment to the community
Beyond their in-store achievements, the Carlton Food Store team has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the local community. Two members took on a gruelling 22-mile walk, raising over £500 for a local school and village hall. Their involvement in volunteer activities, such as transforming the grounds of a local church through painting, fencing, and gardening, further highlights their dedication to making a difference.
What sets them apart?
The Carlton Food Store team’s culture of inclusivity, support, and resilience is what truly sets them apart. Despite facing challenges, they’ve maintained zero colleague turnover since opening, underscoring the strong bond they share. Their collaborative spirit is evident in everything they do, from supporting nervous or shy colleagues during training to consistently delivering exceptional service to customers.
A benchmark for excellence
The Carlton Food Store is the first Lincolnshire Co-op store in the area and has quickly become an exemplar for other new stores, particularly in brand awareness and membership recruitment efforts. Their journey from recruitment to becoming record-breaking champions of customer service and community engagement serves as an inspiration to all.
This recognition as ‘Team of the Year’ is well-deserved and celebrates a team that truly embodies the values of hard work, dedication, and community spirit. Congratulations to Lincolnshire Co-op’s Carlton Food Store for setting the standard for excellence in retail!
Congratulations too to Lynn Hallam who was nominated and a finalist in the category of Manager of the Year. The award celebrates managers who inspire teams, prioritise employee well-being, and drive organisational success through exemplary leadership.
Natalie Fresen added: “Lynn stood out as a finalist for Manager of the Year because of her unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to both her team and community. She not only transformed the performance of her store, achieving impressive financial growth and customer satisfaction, but also demonstrated exceptional leadership by nurturing and developing her colleagues. Lynn’s ability to inspire and build a positive, supportive work environment is a true testament to her people-centric approach, making her a shining example of what a great manager should be.”
