SHUTTERS DOWN
Major supermarket chain with over 2,500 stores confirms exact date it will shut ‘always packed’ branch for good
Staff's jobs are reportedly being transferred to a Nisa store
SHOPPERS are disappointed to see yet another popular supermarket branch shuttered - as the exact closing date is revealed.
Dedicated customers were surprised to learn their Stoke-on-Trent Co-op store in Meir would be waving goodbye.
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Locals who frequent the shop expressed their sadness and claimed it was "always packed".
The retail giant will be permanently closing the site on Weston Road by July 13.
Staff are understood to be having their jobs transferred to a Nisa store, but the opening date is unknown.
A Co-op spokesman said: “Co-op regularly reviews its stores and the decision to sell any store is only taken after careful consideration.
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"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.”
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Loyal customers penned their disappointment on social media.
"Noooooooo sad times," wrote one.
Restaurant Closures Evergreen
"Always packed when I've driven past," commented another.
It comes after Co-op shut down another branch in Swindon earlier this year amid a wave of closures.
The beloved Midcounties Crossways Co-op store on Cricklade Road was a market vital hub for many locals.
But customers made their final purchases on April 21.
Meanwhile, The Co-op in Peacehaven's Meridian Shopping Centre, East Sussex, pulled the plug in the new year amid fresh redevelopment plans.
HIGH STREET CLOSURES
Several high-street retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.
The pandemic was a tough blow as many stores had to close during lockdown.
Since then energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some remaining retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink.
But other retailers have been less fortunate The Body Shop is currently going through administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores.
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Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
M&S has also confirmed store closure and openings with plans to ensure it has the best store locations.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here's a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- 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, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- 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 as well.
- 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 shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
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