The re-established Clinton petrol station opened last June as a self-service 24-hour fuel stop, selling RD Petroleum fuel.
The old store behind the fuel stop was demolished several months ago to make room for a 130sq m retail store.
Clinton Community Company chairman John Cochrane said a lessee had been found for the first 12 months and the group hoped to open the shop by the first week of December.
The shop would be community owned and stock "food to go", limited groceries, and seasonal farm supplies.
The estimated cost was about $250,000.
The name favoured at present was the Clinton Co-Op Express but the co-op is open to suggestions.
Residents established a community company, with locals as shareholders, which bought the petrol station, and built the new store.
