'Absolutely ridiculous' as a retailer with 960 branches that have to close shop after 30 years

SHOPPERS are desperate after a major supermarket chain prepares to close its stores after opening 30 years ago.

It comes with the discount store closing two more locations next month.

But the chain also has plans to open hundreds of locations in the United Kingdom.

Lidl, which has 960 supermarkets in Britain, is calling time on its store in Girlington, Bradford.

The retailer will welcome customers for the last time on February 29, after opening almost 30 years ago.

The supermarket chain said it had been trying to find a larger site in Girlington for the past two years but had been refused plans by Bradford Council.

In the meantime, all staff at the store will be offered jobs at other Lidl branches, the report said.

A spokesperson added: “In the last three years alone we have opened two brand new stores in Eccleshill and Shipley to provide an enhanced shopping experience in Bradford, in addition to our existing stores at Manchester and Barkerend Road.

“While the store, which is almost 30 years old, will close on February 29, we hope to continue to welcome customers to one of our four stores in Bradford.”

Shoppers were shocked to find out the branch will be downing its shutters permanently.

One said: “Absolutely ridiculous decision to refuse the plan.”

A second commented: “Wow, it's always sad to see a store that has been part of the community for so long close its doors.”

Meanwhile, a third added: “I'm sad too…. the bakery helps me get through my working day.”

It comes after Lidl confirmed it will close the shutters of its branch in Kentish Town, London, on February 11, after ten years.

A spokesperson for the budget chain said the branch had been forced to close because it was “unfortunately no longer fit for purpose”.

Meanwhile, the retailer will close its branch in Paignton, Devon, on February 4, after opening 25 years ago.

And Lidl's branch in Leyland, Lancashire, is calling time on February 29, with customers labeling the closure as “shocking”.

It comes at a time when a number of retailers in Britain are struggling in a difficult economic context.

Recent figures from the Center for Retail Research show that more than 10,000 stores will close for the last time in 2023 and that almost 120,000 jobs will be lost across the sector.

That's down from 2022, when more than 150,000 retail jobs were lost, but it's still a blow to businesses.

Iconic names Wilko and Paperchase both fell into administration last year, laying off thousands of staff.

Meanwhile, Boots confirmed plans to consolidate its portfolio of branches from 2,200 to 1,900.

Other retailers have closed stores among themselves, including Iceland, New Look and the Original Factory Shop.

It's not all bad news for the high street, however, with a number of retailers opening stores in the UK.

B&M, which currently operates more than 650 UK stores, recently announced plans to open a further 17 stores in January and February.

Asda also plans to open 21 new locations before the end of the month.

The retailer said it aims to have 1,000 stores in Britain and Northern Ireland by March this year.

And Lidl confirmed in April last year that it wanted to open hundreds of locations as part of expansion plans.

The Sun asked Bradford Council for comment.

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