Øster Tørslev residents fund grocery shop and seek manager

Residents of Øster Tørslev have bought shares in the building that will house a new grocery shop and are now looking for a manager to run it, DR reports.

The village northeast of Randers is seeking an outgoing candidate who takes initiative and wants a long-term relationship with the community. The recruitment is being presented in a Facebook video styled as a dating show, with the successful candidate receiving the keys to the 718-square-metre shop.

“We have been on some dates, but we are not exclusive with anyone yet,” said Asta Poppe, one of the local organisers.

The previous shopkeeper went bankrupt in the spring. Local residents subsequently joined forces and bought the vacant shop building through a company funded by shares. Together with grocery company Dagrofa, they are now preparing a community-supported store.

Dagrofa says it has opened more than 120 community-supported shops in rural areas across Denmark since 2016. The company owns the Spar, Meny, Min Købmand and LetKøb grocery chains.

Morten Pedersen, chairman of the company that owns the building, said a local shop was essential to a small community.

“It is important in small communities that we have a meeting place, also for the older people in the town. That is where you meet your neighbour, and it also makes the area more attractive to move to,” he said.

So far, 537 residents have bought shares in the building. Many are also helping renovate the former shop, which they want to turn into a modern and sustainable business for the next manager.

“We want to create modern facilities where the customer is the focus, and where the shopkeeper has the opportunity to run an efficient business,” Pedersen said.

The project has received a commitment for 1 million kroner from the National Rural District Fund. The money supports projects that establish or develop community-run grocery shops in rural districts and on small islands.

The empty premises still need to be repaired and painted. If everything goes according to plan, the new shop will open on November 1.