I've talked about the Free Market Economy previously in on the blog but the theory of this blog goes against it somewhat.
In recent years, many rural post offices, pubs and other institutions of village life have closed leaving remote communities lifeless.
The community shop is an attempt to kick life back into a community. The shops are owned and run by members of the community and offer food, convenience items and local produce. More than this, though, they provide a hub for social activity within the village.
They reduce car journeys that would otherwise be made to alternative stores and “benefit those who are disadvantaged by lack of personal transport, limited physical mobility, and those seeking employment or volunteer opportunities” (Plunkett Foundation, No date).
References:
Plunkett Foundation (No date) How to set up a community shop.