Inmates go to Iceland as supermarket opens UK’s first ‘in-prison’ store

Iceland has opened the UK’s first in-prison convenience store at HMP Oakwood, the largest prison in England, offering inmates the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while aiding their rehabilitation.

The frozen food specialist‘s store, which is part of a new ‘marketplace’ within the prison, allows inmates to use Monopoly-style money earned through good behaviour to purchase groceries, including branded products such as Chicago Town pizzas and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream—items typically unavailable within the prison wings.

HMP Oakwood in Staffordshire, is a Category C facility, and according to the Times, the new store is part of a broader initiative to help prisoners reintegrate into society by equipping them with essential skills for life after release.

As part of the programme, inmates nearing the end of their sentences can also gain employment within the store, with training provided in customer service and retail.

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The retailer has partnered with the prison to offer employment opportunities, supporting the Second Chance scheme launched in 2022. The scheme has already seen Iceland hire over 350 former inmates, with 300 more set to join once they are released.

Inmates can earn up to £25 a week in store credits through good behaviour, which can be used at the Iceland store. The store features a variety of goods, including fresh produce, snacks, and household items, and is designed to help inmates familiarise themselves with retail processes like budgeting, handling money, and basic customer interaction.

Iceland’s employment lead manager, Ellen Herickx said : “Many prisoners think that once they are incarcerated, their chances of a job in the future are slim. Giving them the opportunity to work in a real environment helps them see that there is hope for the future and a path back into society.”

Prison Governor Sean Oliver added that the initiative provides inmates with a vital sense of normality, allowing them to learn practical skills and reintegrate into society gradually.

The scheme has garnered positive feedback, with prison reform experts noting that providing meaningful employment opportunities can significantly reduce reoffending rates.

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