A store manager will be hanging up his keys for the final time shortly - when he retires after three decades of working for the Co-op.

Nick James, manager of the Co-op's Lawton Way store in Elworth, has notched up around 30 years with the retail chain.

The popular store manager, who loves nothing more than seeing his colleagues develop and thrive, is set to hit the road in his beloved motorhome.

Nick officially retires on Saturday, 5th August, a sad day for the team and the Sandbach Co-op Member Pioneer, who will be losing their "unsung hero".

Arnie Laing, Co-op Member Pioneer for Sandbach said: "Since I became the local Coop Member Pioneer in September 2020, he has been both a good friend and a tremendous supporter of all the community work being undertaken.

"Nick James is an unsung local hero who has given lots of support to the local community and especially Elworth Hall school ."

Nick has worked in large Co-op stores such as Alsager and Talke and has also been a Co-op area manager - but his first love is managing stores.

His aim has always been to develop his colleagues' potential, encouraging them to reach their full capacity giving them the confidence to "grow" at work.

Sandbach Co-op Member Pioneer, Arnie Laing, has paid homage to manager, Nick James. (Photo: Nub News)

During his long career with the Co-op, Nick, has seen many changes but none so fast and prominent as those which happened during the pandemic or just before.

"Covid seems to have fast forwarded everything," says Nick, who is delighted with new initiatives at his store, which is popular with residents living on and or near the local housing estate.

He says the advent of headsets is brilliant and really helps with communication within the store and getting stock out to the right place at the right time.

"For example, if stock is needed quickly and someone is in the warehouse it is so quick and easy to contact them. Everyone is connected which is great," he told Sandbach Nub News, in a previous interview.

Another good move, says Nick, was the introduction of self-scan checkouts in the Lawton Way store, allowing customers to quickly pay for items by card and Co-op members to swipe their membership card for rewards.

A keen community man, Nick did the Potter's Half Marathon for the Co-op's national charity partners, including mental health charity Mind,

(Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Sandbach Nub News)

The Lawton Way store is right next to Elworth Hall School, where Nick has done a reindeer run and has also worked with Elworth Church of England School on another project.

Sandbach Nub News told here how Nick got signs put up in the car park of his store make it safer for customers:

So what will he be doing in his retirement?

Nick loves taking breaks in his motorhome and curling up with a good book to read and relax.

Sandbach Nub News wishes Nick much luck and happiness in his forthcoming retirement.

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