Loyalthy card introduced for customers at Poppy’s Pantry

Newly-refurbished Poppy’s Pantry in Melton, Woodbridge, has started the New Year with a boost after launching a loyalty card scheme that has proved a hit with customers.

Poppy’s, at The Sidings in Wilford Bridge Road, is one of six businesses run by social enterprise Realise Futures specialising in employment, learning and development and careers services for people who are disabled or disadvantaged.

Poppy’s opened seven years ago selling a range of health and wholefood products as well as eco-friendly household goods.

In December, Poppy’s was refurbished and now sells a more diverse selection of goods, including vegetarian and vegan food, gluten-free, dairy-free and soya-free products and fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs.

Enterprise manager Vicky Norris said: “Since our revamp, we have seen more customers coming and we have now launched a loyalty card which gives you 20% off your shopping over £30 on every sixth visit.

“We have been delighted by the number of people who have signed up to get the loyalty card, and by the fact that our customers are really pleased with our new look and the products we sell. We want to be regarded as a shop which sells a big range and which just happens to specialise in wholefoods and things like gluten-free, dairy-free.

“All the new business is helping to support our social mission to help people in the community.

The newly-refurbished shop was officially opened last year by Deputy Mayor of Woodbridge, councillor Lady Caroline Blois.

The refurbishment work included relocating the shop into a next door unit and opening up more space to offer work-based opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Eight members of staff work at the shop and they are also involved in work for Realise Futures Fulfilment, which packages and dispatches items for local businesses.

Staff also support enterprise team members to pick, pack and dispatch Poppy’s Pantry snack boxes which go out to local businesses as a healthy alternative to vending machine chocolate and crisps.

As a social enterprise, Realise Futures runs its business with a social mission to help people who are disabled and disadvantaged with careers advice, learning and development and employment opportunities.