Coniston, the small community on Greater Sudbury’s eastern end, is now a Your Independent Grocer town.
When owner Andrew Cummings purchased the grocer nearly two years ago, it was a Valu-Mart. Last week, he held an official opening to celebrate the store’s conversion to the Your Independent Grocer brand.
“Coniston is a hidden gem” in Greater Sudbury, Cummings said, adding that he appreciates how the community has made him feel at home since taking over the grocery store. “I want to thank the community for welcoming us with open arms.”
The store employs around 40 people, several of whom have been at the location for more than 30 years.
In honour of the transition to Your Independent Grocer, Cummings held a customer appreciation event on Nov. 9, offering coffee and cake to customers, and making a donation to the Coniston Community Action Network (CAN).
Sara Kitlar-Pothier of the Coniston CAN said the $500 donation will support the second annual Coniston Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Mark your calendars for that as the CAN has events planned Dec. 1 and 2 in Coniston.
Of the donation, Cummings said, “I want to be part of this community so anytime I can give back, I want to do that.”
Cummings is no stranger to the grocery world. His father is Chris Cummings of Chris’ Your Independent Grocer on Lorne Street in the city’s West End.
“It’s what I’ve known,” Cummings said with a laugh.
Quality customer service and being part of the community are what drives him, Cummings said, and he welcomes shoppers to check out what his store in the “hidden gem” of Coniston has to offer.
Check out the store's Facebook page here.
Mark Gentili is the editor of Sudbury.com.
