Supermarket chain with 2,500 stores to shut branch forever TODAY as shoppers complain of ‘another kick in the backside’
A MAJOR supermarket chain with over 2,500 stores is shutting a branch forever today as shoppers complain of ‘another kick in the backside’.
Locals are in uproar over the closure, claiming that the shop is “always packed”.
Co-op is permanently shuttering its store in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent this afternoon.
However, the decision has gone down badly with customers in the town.
One commented on StokeLive: “Supported this store for years and then they are closing it.
“Another kick in the backside for loyal customers and staff.”
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
Others took to social media to vent their frustration.
Another local added: “Always packed when I’ve driven past.”
And a third said: “Sad times.”
Instead, customers will have to look to the Nisa store across the road, with the franchise also part of the Co-op Group.
Fortunately for staff, it is understood that all the jobs from the closed branch will be transferred to that store.
A spokesman for the supermarket said: “Co-op regularly reviews its stores and the decision to sell any store is only taken after careful consideration.
“Our Meir store is being sold and a key priority has been to safeguard local jobs.
“Colleagues, who have been informed and are being fully supported, will transfer to the new operator.
“The new store will operate as a Nisa store, meaning that Co-op favourite products will remain available locally.
“We would like to thank the Meir community for their support of the Co-op.”
It comes after rivals M&S confirmed a number of store closures this year, while Boots is shutting 300 branches across 2024/25.
Retailers opening stores
IT'S not all bad news on the high street as several retailers are bucking the trend and opening shops.
- German discounter Aldi has announced it will open 35 new UK stores this year. The openings form part of Aldi‘s long-term target of operating 1,500 stores in the UK.
- Asda has been opening hundreds of convenience stores as it looks to rival major players Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
- Purepay Retail Limited , the parent company of Bonmarché, Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) and Peacocks, Purepay Retail Limited, has said it wants to open 100 new high street stores over the next 18 months.
- Home Bargains has said it wants to “eventually have between 800 and 1,000 retail outlets open”.
- Primark is also opening new branches and investing and renovating more than a dozen of its existing shops.
- Screwfix is set to open 40 new stores nationwide as its owner, Kingfisher, seeks to expand the DIY brand’s national presence.
- Tesco has revealed plans to open 70 more stores across the UK over the next year as part of major expansion plans.
- WHSmith has turned its focus to the travel side of its business, with plans to open new sites in airports, railway stations and hospitals.