50 years of Favell: Tesco community champion thrilled to learn impact the supermarket has on customers and staff

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A member of staff at Tesco in Weston Favell Shopping Centre, known as a community champion, has been thrilled to learn the impact the supermarket has on customers and the team alike.

Hayley Higgs, who has been praised by the centre team for going above and beyond in her role, joined Tesco in November last year.

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Her aim is to strengthen the relationship between the supermarket and the community, by building connections and offering support to the organisations and individuals who need it.

Hayley says the past 11 months have been “very rewarding” and she has enjoyed supporting those in need with her budget and stock. In turn, they have started reaching out if they need anything and this is what the community champion hoped to see.

There are many people who have worked at Weston Favell’s Tesco for decades and moved around different parts of the store to suit the time in their lives.There are many people who have worked at Weston Favell’s Tesco for decades and moved around different parts of the store to suit the time in their lives.
There are many people who have worked at Weston Favell’s Tesco for decades and moved around different parts of the store to suit the time in their lives.

She often attends the events they have donated to, to continue building on these connections and making people aware of Tesco’s commitment to the community.

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“I hear stories of individual cases and families we’ve helped and the situations they’ve been through,” Hayley told the Chronicle & Echo. “Seeing it first hand is humbling and it’s great they can reach out to me.”

As Tesco has been a part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre since it was built, the supermarket often crops up in visitors’ memories – and Hayley is no exception as a local who visited from as early as her childhood and teenage years.

“I’m always here with my children now and see the same people week in week out,” said Hayley. “Having a sheltered environment that’s not too busy makes visitors feel safe.”

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Tesco has been an important part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre since it was built.Tesco has been an important part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre since it was built.
Tesco has been an important part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre since it was built.

The 50th anniversary celebrations have given Hayley the opportunity to do a deep dive into the history of Tesco and the employees who have helped the supermarket continue to thrive.

There are many people who have worked at Weston Favell’s Tesco for decades and moved around different parts of the store to suit the time in their lives.

“Some people have worked here for 45 years and that’s amazing,” said Hayley. “It’s been great to find out the stories of my colleagues. They like the fact it’s very local, welcoming and flexible, especially around starting a family. It’s the community feel.”

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With the big birthday bash planned for today (October 29), Hayley urges the community to appreciate what they have in the area as there is “nothing else like it” for people of all ages.

The shopping centre's 50th birthday bash took place today (October 29).The shopping centre's 50th birthday bash took place today (October 29).
The shopping centre's 50th birthday bash took place today (October 29).

“If we show we appreciate what they do, the centre team is going to continue and support the community,” she concluded. “It will only grow.”

The Chronicle & Echo is working with Weston Favell Shopping Centre until the end of October to mark the celebration. If you would like to share your memories and pictures, email [email protected].

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