After 25 years and 40 million transactions, Tesco Bury is commemorating the store’s anniversary through a month of celebrations.
Looking back, 25 years ago on October 20, 1997, Tesco opened its doors for the second time to Bury, marking the opening with a young Gary and Phill Neville.
Gary, who was 22 years old at the time and playing with Manchester United, did the honours of cutting the ribbon and can be seen in the archive copy from the Bury Times.
Now, around 40 million transactions later, the store has been looking back on its history and preparing to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
Community champion, Wendy Howarth, said: “To this day, there are over 50 colleagues still working from when it opened in 1997, a good proportion of these colleagues also worked in the original store in Bury Town Centre.”
The original store, opened in 1972 as Ken Dodd waved his ‘tickle stick’ over the ribbon at the grand opening of the site on Bury Haymarket, where the Mill Gate shopping centre and the Rock now stand.
Wendy continued: “During the month of November the store will be holding some celebrations to mark the occasion and it will be recognising the colleagues with 25 years of service.
“The store will also be holding a celebratory weekend on Saturday, November 29, with music, face painting and competitions for customers to enter to raise money for local charities.”
Tesco Bury has been working to support the Big Fandango, based on Bolton Street, Bury Town centre, which is a community arts centre that helps and supports those affected by suicide as well as delivering training for suicide prevention.
The store has commissioned the Big Fandango to create a large piece of art to mark its 25th Anniversary this year which will be unveiled to colleagues in-store.
Wendy said: “Working with local charities has always been a huge part of Tesco Bury.
“With such high footfall and generous customers, we’ve always been well-positioned to support local and national causes when called upon.
Read more: New community centre in Bury to support those touched by suicide
“Tesco would like to thank all team members, past and present for their contribution over the last 25 years.
“The store would not be what it is today without its amazing colleagues that have served the people of Bury over the years.
Read more: Suicide memorial commissioned for Bury town centre
“Store managers past and present have been truly blessed to have such dedicated colleagues, so on behalf of Tesco, we thank you for your service.”
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