Marchwood Store Manager

Our summer giveaway has landed!

Posted on by Adam Page

Fancy a chance of winning £50 to spend at your local Welcome store? Keep an eye out for our social competition which launches today!

Head to our Facebook page where you will see our Summer Giveaway post and more details about how you can enter.

We just want to know why you love your local Welcome store, as much as we love serving our customers and being part of the local community.

Why not tell us about your favourite team member? Was someone particularly helpful to you or go above and beyond? Perhaps you love one of our locally-stocked products, and look forward to an after-work treat or your go-to meal of the day.

Pop a comment under the post and give us a follow and you could win £50 to spend with us. Don’t forget to add or tag your local store so that we know which store’s your favourite!

A few T&Cs apply, such as:

  • Over 18s only
  • Entries will only be accepted on comments posted between 00:01 on 1st August 2023 until 23:59 on 31st August 2023
  • No purchase necessary
  • All criteria must be met in order to qualify for the draw – i.e. must Like and Follow the Welcome Stores Facebook page and add a comment underneath the Summer Giveaway post
  • Only one entry per person on Facebook only
  • Maximum 1 prize offered of £50 in the form of store credit or gift card, redeemable only at Welcome’s Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Denvilles, Fair Oak, Marchwood and Stubbington stores
  • Prize is not transferrable and cannot be exchanged for a cash equivalent and cannot be redeemed against tobacco products
  • Employees of Welcome Stores and Southern Co-Op are excluded from entry
  • The winner agrees for their information to be stored and used by Welcome Stores and Southern Co-Op and they agree for their image to be used for publicity purposes

Winners will be chosen at random using a name generator after the closing date. The winning name will be announced w/c 4th September 2023.

GOOD LUCK!!

Supplier Spotlight: Beaulieu Chocolate Studio turns 17!

Posted on by Adam Page

In the latest installment of our “Supplier Spotlight” series, we caught up with Beaulieu Chocolate Studio as they celebrate 17 years in the business – and how they stop their chocolate from melting in the summer heat!

Sweet dreams!

Beaulieu Chocolate Studio opened in July 2006 after founder, Trevor Smith, opened the chocolate shop in the old village patisserie on the Beaulieu estate.

Hand-made chocolates have been a part of the village since the early 1980s but Trevor had dreams of creating artisan and luxury chocolate ranges.

Today, the studio makes a range of over 30 filled chocolates, with new flavours added all the time, and a wide range of original chocolate bars and gifts.

Trevor says: “From the smallest pocket-money chocolate rabbit to the most luxurious chocolate box gift, every chocolate wish is fulfilled.”

Trevor Smith proudly displays his handmade chocolates

Watch the chocolate-making action!

It is the long heritage of chocolate-making in Beaulieu that prompted Trevor to divide his shop into two. One half is the workshop at the back where the chocolates are made and in the front half is the shop where they are displayed and sold.

His vision was to make an original range of hand-made chocolates on the premises and in view of the public, who can watch and enjoy the chocolate-making process as it happens.

French inspiration

Trevor is from the New Forest, but he lived in France for 8 years, where he trained as a baker and chocolatier – and that is where his ideas for the chocolate shop originated.

“Over there, it is not unusual to see various artisan chocolate shops and workshop-style cafes where people can enjoy sampling local chocolates on offer – and see how it’s made” Trevor said. “It’s all part of the experience – and that was something I wanted to bring home to the New Forest!”

A Welcome addition

The Chocolate Studio produces everything by hand using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced wherever possible – and it is that shared ethos that makes Trevor’s chocolates a “Welcome” addition to our stores.

Welcome stores sell plenty of local products to our customers so that they can sample the delights of what’s on offer right on their local doorstep. We also understand that by supporting local businesses, it brings growth to the economy and supports jobs.

Not only do we see the economic benefits of supporting local, Welcome stores sees it as “doing our bit” towards reducing our carbon footprint too!

“It’s great to see Welcome stores onboard with supporting local suppliers” Trevor added. “It means that customers living further afield than our shop in other towns and villages can still enjoy our hand-crafted chocolates – but they are all made in our shop.

“Our best sellers are New Forest Bark, a speciality resembling tree bark with dark chocolate and almonds, Milk Honeycomb bars and Caramel and sea salt bars – they always seem to fly out of the shop!”

Keeping cool

As the summer months are now upon us, what is Trevor’s secret to making sure chocolates are only melting in the mouths of customers – and not spoiling beforehand?

“Hot summers can be a challenge” he says “but air conditioning has come to our rescue many times – and it’s the only way we can make sure everything stays at the right temperature!”

Welcome stores is pleased to stock Beaulieu chocolate fresh from the studio, but you can also pay them a visit at 1 High Street in Beaulieu 7 days a week from 9-5.

For more information head to beaulieuchocolatestudio.co.uk

(Cheap!) Chocolate chunk cookie cheesecake

Posted on by Adam Page

Need a few things to do to keep the kids entertained this summer? This super-simple cheesecake will go down a treat – and it costs less than £5 to make!

  • Feeds 12Feeds 12
  • Ready in 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 Co-op bakery double chocolate chunk cookies
  • 45g Co-op unsalted butter, melted
  • 300ml Co-op double cream
  • 2 x 200g tubs Co-op soft cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Method

  1. Line a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin with greaseproof paper
  2. Whizz the cookies in a food processor or bash with a rolling pin to give fine crumbs
  3. Put 200g of the cookie crumbs into a bowl with the melted butter
  4. Stir until fully combined, then press into the bottom of the cake tin and chill for 1 hour until set
  5. Put 135g of the remaining cookie crumbs into a bowl and stir in the double cream
  6. Place in the fridge for 1 hour
  7. Stir together the cream and cookie mixture, the soft cheese and lemon juice, then spoon into the tin over the cookie crumb base
  8. Decorate with the remaining cookie crumbs and leave to chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, until set
  9. Timings exclude chilling

Each serving contains

  • Energy 18% 1470kj 355kcal
  • Fat High 41% 28.9g
  • Saturates High 85% 17g
  • Sugar Med 13% 11.3g
  • Salt Low 4% 0.27g

% of adult’s reference intake | Carbohydrates per serving : 20g

Dropping into Brock!

Posted on by Adam Page

On Saturday afternoon, we gave a very berry welcome to Laura from New Forest Fruit at our Brockenhurst store! Not only did customers and staff get to try a tasty new treat, but we also heard about all the environmentally friendly methods used at New Forest Fruit.

Laura from New Forest Fruit at our Brockenhurst store

Environmentally friendly business      

Based in Beaulieu, New Forest Fruit has grown strawberries on the same site for over 15 years. Sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of the decisions made. One method used is specially designed sensors placed within the strawberry crops. These sensors indicate the humidity, temperature, and moisture levels of tunnels. The information provided allows the team to adjust the conditions within the tunnels, and as a result, the plants are healthier, which helps to reduce wastage.

A brand-new healthy summer snack

The summer is officially strawberry season, and there’s nothing better than enjoying deliciously sweet berries! However, there’s also a demand for dried fruit as a healthy ‘on-the-go’ snack alternative. This is something New Forest Fruit has considered, and as a result, launched a new product – called Pulsed Dried Strawberries.

The best thing about this product is – no added sugar or preservatives, only strawberries grown on the farm. These can be crushed and sprinkled over cereal or used in baking. Plus, pulsing splits the cells of the strawberry, so the berry can rehydrate and is ideal for infusing in drinks such as sparkling water or a celebration glass of prosecco! If that wasn’t enough, the packets are 100% compostable – so you can give a little back to nature too.

Summer picnic inspiration

The summer holidays are right around the corner, and if you are planning a picnic this summer, why not add this delicious, healthy, and nutritious alternative? The new range by New Forest Fruit Snacks is available now at your Welcome store – have you tried them yet?

Aligned business goals

At Welcome Stores, we work hard to use as many eco-friendly practices as possible, which is also achieved by being involved in several local initiatives. This work also allows us to support other businesses, like New Forest Fruit, to do the same. Pop into your local branch to hear more.

Supplier Spotlight: New Forest Tea Company

Posted on by Adam Page

We got “the tea” from one of our local suppliers which launched in lockdown and continues to “pour out” success.

Sorry, we’ll stop with the tea puns!

We caught up with Lyndhurst-based New Forest Tea Company to talk about what it was like starting a business during a pandemic and their secret to success.

Put the kettle on!

New Forest Tea Company started in 2021 during lockdown, but the owners Ian and Kelly ran two successful tea lounges in Lyndhurst for 10 years. They also work alongside their faithful pet dog Gracie who has the very important title of Head of Tails and Barketing!

“We had a clear plan of what we wanted to achieve from the start” Ian said. “although we have maintained our core approach we have evolved to add new elements to the business such as our travelling tea chest.”

Gracie oversees all tails and barketing!

Those living locally to the New Forest may well have seen the tea chest at several fairs and festivals – and that means Ian and Kelly can bring great tasting tea, wherever you may be!

And, it’s not just getting outdoors the New Forest Tea-m love to do, but they love to play their part in keeping all that air fresh too. The company is extremely aware of its environmental footprint – one of many reasons why they make such great suppliers to Welcome stores.

“Our main focus in addition to quality products is to make sure we “Leave no Trace”” Ian explains. “With this in mind all our tea pyramids are made from plant based material, are plastic free, compostable and are pressure sealed thus ensuring a minimal environmental impact.

“Plus, the outer packaging is also home compostable once the labels are removed. All our teas are ethically sourced and we pride ourselves on the fact that our tea pyramids contain the same quality tea as our loose leaf collection offers. As a family run, New Forest business we also offer high quality customer service along with free local delivery.”

For a company that started up during the 2021 lockdown, the New Forest Tea company has gone from strength to strength – and secured its first accolade at the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.

Ian said: “We were delighted to be voted as Best New Business after just 6 months of trading. We also came second at the Local Producer area in the New Forest Show with our tea chest.”

On working with Welcome stores, Ian added: “We have also been delighted to be stocked and served by numerous New Forest businesses and beyond. The support that Welcome shows for local businesses should be a model for all local supermarkets as it allows customers to see that local suppliers do it best!”

The New Forest Tea Company has kindly offered Welcome stores customers a discount on online orders – simply head to newforestteacompany.com/shop and when you get to the checkout enter welcome10 as a promo code.

Keep an eye out for the new 12th blend going live in September – we’ll certainly be enjoying a cup or two!

Welcome’s Brockenhurst store plays its part in ‘Plastic Free Communities’ Status

Posted on by Adam Page

Brockenhurst has been recognised as one of the communities leading the way in tackling throw away plastic at source.

The “Plastic Free Community” status was awarded by Surfers Against Sewage and backed by Welcome’s Brockenhurst store and the Brockenhurst Village Hall in recognition of the work it has done to start reducing the impact of single-use plastic on the environment.

We heard from the team at Plastic Free Brockenhurst who sent us the following article to share with you. For more information, you can go to the website or follow the journey on Facebook.

The need for plastic-free

As an initiative of Greener Brockenhurst the campaign started last year after the idea was put forward at a community meeting and taken forward as a way of encouraging villagers, community groups and businesses to change habits.

Registering with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement the group pulled together key organisations and businesses in the village to put in place a five-point plan.

The objectives included; setting up a community led steering group, instigating the SAS Plastic Free Schools education programme, getting local council commitment and working with local businesses, organisations and community groups to spread the word and minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use.

The campaign has had fantastic backing

Community groups in Brockenhurst in particular have all shown great commitment and support for the campaign. We now have in excess of 12 Community groups who have signed their pledge to become community allies – including Welcome’s Brockenhurst store – and consider ways to cut down on the amount of plastic they use in their activities. They have also pledged to communicate the aims of the campaign to their members.

Other support has come from St Saviours Church, the Scouts, Brownies, Mothers Union, The Allotment Association, The Village Hall Brockenhurst Business Association and the WI.

A plastic-free promise

Businesses have also played their part in winning the accreditation and made pledges on initiatives they will take to cut down on the plastic they use. Businesses that become Plastic Free Champions will display a badge of accreditation, so please look out for them around Brockenhurst.

The group is looking forward to more businesses taking the pledge to become champions as there are many that share the same ideals and we would encourage all businesses to step forward.

Plastic Free Community status is not easily won

It is a great achievement for the village and illustrates that there is a want and a wish to do more to reduce the amount of plastic used given the right encouragement.

A member of the Plastic Free Brockenhurst Campaign team said: “it has taken a lot of effort to get the accreditation but it great to see Brockenhurst join the many other communities committed to driving down their use of disposable plastic.”