Anna’s fight to win hearts and minds
Reporter: Martyn Torr
Date published: 17 November 2010
Business editor Martyn Torr talks to Anna Wisniowski — manager of Greenfield’s controversial new Tesco store
“PEOPLE have been honest with their views and opinions” is how the new Tesco store manager responded to the question about the controversy the Greenfield building has sparked.
Anna Wisniowski spoke to the Chronicle outside the store, due to open on the site of the now-demolished Knoll Mill in a fortnight.
Standing in the way of the opening are parish councillors, who point out that the planning conditions for the store stipulate that industrial units must be provided at the rear of the site to stimulate local business.
With the store opening due on Monday, December 6, — and plans for the opening day well advanced in terms of invites and staff recruitment — there could be a further delay.
Oldham Council has written to Tesco seeking an update on the building programme and the conditions imposed in 2005. The new manager, meanwhile, is eagerly setting out to win hearts and minds.
The former Lancaster University student — her degree is in English literature — acknowledges there is opposition to the store from some quarters.
The 29-year-old, who lives in Halifax, is determined to meet all the challenges and relishes the opportunity to meet residents in the store.
“People have been honest with their opinions; there haven’t been many sitting on the fence. I have met many residents here in Greenfield and in Delph, where we have been carrying out our recruitment interviews.
“I also met lots of people when we had a recruitment open day at St Mary’s School when more than 250 were present. I have even had a letter from one resident saying she can’t wait for us to open — and she didn’t want a charity donation or job, just to be able to shop!
“I can well understand the stance of a lot people. I come from a small village myself, and the first Tesco store I worked in was in Brighouse.
“I am well aware of all the issues. Me and all my staff want to become a part of the community and once we open, the true test will be footfall through the store.
“On day one and in the first week there will be a novelty factor and after that we shall see how the local residents react and if they shop here.”
Anna, who has worked at six stores since joining the supermarket giant in 2004, comes from a background in recruitment but enjoys her life in retail and is looking forward to the day when the store finally opens.
When that will be is in the hands of the planners.
But the 150 plus people who will work at the store — more than 100 of whom have been recruited locally, with the balance transferring to Greenfield from other Tesco operations — are still working towards opening at 7am on December 6.
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