Supermarket with more than 300 branches closes its doors for good within HOURS

A DISCOUNT supermarket that has served the local community for more than a century will close its doors for good within hours.

Co-op has had a presence in Swindon for more than 110 years, although that support has taken different forms.

But tomorrow, February 3, the Co-op store on Rodbourne Road in Swindon will close its doors forever.

This is the Co-op members' retailer run by the Midcounties Co-operative, which is different to the regular Co-Op which deals with food, insurance, legal services and funerals.

The Midcounties Co-operative, which has more than 300 stores, is a member-owned company, meaning people can share company profits and have a say in how it is run

Locals on Facebook were disappointed when they heard the news.

One user stated: “Well here it is people”

“Don't leave me now,” someone else said.

A former shop worker said: “I'm working my last shifts today and tomorrow – it's been a pleasure.”

A spokesperson for the Midcounties Co-operative said: “The Midcounties Co-operative continues to invest in our food retail sector, having opened 12 new stores and invested over £7.5 million over the past two years.

“Our board regularly reviews the footprint of our properties to ensure we are providing the best opportunities for our members and supporting local communities across the Midcounties region.

“As part of this work, it was determined that the Rodbourne Road Store no longer fit into the Society's long-term strategy.

“Our Council has therefore taken the very difficult decision to put this property on the market and can confirm that the site has now found a new owner.

“All affected colleagues have been offered employment by the new owners or in nearby stores. We look forward to continuing to serve our local communities within Your Co-op Food stores in the area.”

In November last year we saw another closure of Midcounties Co-op in Oxford.

Co-Op has also had to make difficult decisions to close stores in recent weeks.

The co-op at the Meridian Shopping Center in Peacehaven, East Sussex, closed last month.

Several other retailers have struggled to make ends meet in recent years.

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Struggling fashion brand Superdry has said it is exploring various “cost-saving options” as it considers a major restructuring including store closures and job cuts.

Homebase closed a store last year, leaving just 93 stores since its acquisition by Hilco Capital in 2018.

Competitor Poundstretcher closed several stores last year, but also opened new stores in closed Wilko stores.

Boots revealed it would close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.

Banks have also announced the closure of several branches.

Barclays will begin pulling down the shutters at fourteen locations in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland from April.

Even thrift stores are having a hard time Oxfam confirmed last year that it would close eight of its UK stores.

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