Today is the last trading day for a supermarket branch amid a new wave of closures
A “VITAL” supermarket branch is closing TODAY amid a new wave of closures.
The budget retailer will close one of its popular stores in London, leaving shoppers who fought to save the store devastated.
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Loyal customers are saying goodbye to the last branch in Kentish Town after almost ten years.
The affordable supermarket was a staple for shoppers in the local community, who now have to take their shopping baskets elsewhere.
The closure comes after a long battle by residents to keep it open.
A petition was started last month that attracted thousands of signatures from frustrated locals.
Many have been left heartbroken by the enormous loss, saying it was crucial to tackle the looming cost of living crisis.
One shopper said: “It's the cheapest food store in the area and vital for all shoppers in the area.”
The departure means cash savings must now find their way to the nearest branch in Tottenham Court Road – which is about 10 minutes away.
One loyal customer fumed: “There's no alternative that's really affordable in the area. Even though it's small, it has everything we need.”
Another added: “We need this supermarket in our region in these difficult times.
'It is very difficult financially for many families Lidl These prices allow us to feed our families well.”
A third criticized: “Put people before profits Lidle, what about your community and the elderly who can't go far to shop? Be responsible.”
A fourth wrote: “It's a huge asset to the community. I don't want to pay Cooperative Prices.”
Lidl employees confirmed that the store will close its doors for the final time due to a lack of sufficient profits due to a small customer base.
But people fear the move will now impact Kentish Town's vibrant shopping centre.
Caroline Hill, chair of citizens group Kentish Town Road Action, said: “It's very sad. It's always rammed. Everyone shops there – it's a classless store.
“Kentish Town Road is a major arterial road so double yellow lines are needed and we can understand Lidl's problems but it is a great shame.
“It may impact footfall for other stores. We hope another store will soon come along to take over the vacant unit.”
A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We can confirm that our Kentish Town store will close on Sunday 11 February as it is unfortunately no longer fit for purpose.
“Kentish Town remains on our site requirements list and our teams continue to look for alternative sites in the area.
“In the meantime, customers can still access our great value products at nearby Lidl stores on Holloway Road and Tottenham Court Road, both within two miles.”
The branch is the latest to bite the dust as a huge wave of closures hits the country.
Which Lidl stores will be closed in 2023 and 2024?
In the spring of 2023, Lidl closed and relocated a number of stores for the first time.
A few closures were due to the poor condition of the buildings and bosses considering them unfit for purpose, while others came after they opened replacement stores elsewhere.
All employees affected by the changes were offered employment in alternative locations.
The closures for 2023 are as follows:
- Drayton Road, Mile Cross – April 30, 2023
- Sturry Road, Canterbury – May 28, 2023
- Forton Road, Gosport – May 28, 2023
- The Quadrant in Redditch town center – summer 2023
- Barrhead, Glasgow – September 28, 2023
- Beckenham, Bromley – November 2023
Meanwhile, Lidl plans to close further stores in the UK in February and March this year.
These are located in:
- Paignton, Devon – February 4, 2024
- Kentish Town, London – February 11, 2024
- Bradford – February 29, 2024
- Layland, Lancashire – February 29, 2024
- Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees – February 29, 2024
- High Street, Hanham, Bristol – March 1, 2024