Beyond devastating’ say shoppers as major supermarket to disappear from busy high street next week
A MAJOR supermarket is to disappear from a busy high street next week and shoppers say they are “beyond devastated”.
Lidl, which as more than 960 branches across the country, is shutting its store in Beckenham High Street to the surprise of fans.
The branch will close on Wednesday, November 15 at 6pm, according to a sign in its window.
It reads: “We’re closing on November 16 at 6pm, but you’ll love your Bromley North, Bromley Town Centre and West Wickham stores.”
The Sun has contacted Lidl for comment, but a spokesperson previously said that the retailer was having “active discussions” about relocating the store.
Shoppers have been left stunned by the decision, with many taking to social media to share their opinions.
Posting in the Beckenham Appreciation Facebook Group, one shopper said: “Really don’t know what I’ll do without Lidl.”
Another said: “It’s such a bad move. Soon there will be nothing in Beckenham.”
A third added: “I am very disappointed”.
While a fourth fumed: “I’m very upset. This is my favourite store.”
Earlier this year, Lidl closed its stores in Drayton Road, Mile Close and Sturry Road, Canterbury.
The supermarket brought down the shutters due to the poor condition of the buildings and bosses deeming them unfit for purpose.
It also closed its store in Redditch town centre this summer after opening a replacement store on Battens Drive in June 2022.
But it’s not all bad news for Lidl shoppers, as the discounter announced that it is looking to open hundreds of new locations across the UK as part of a huge expansion.
The potential locations would be for high street, standalone, mixed use, or shopping centre stores.
The full list, of which there are 1,168 locations, includes sites across all areas of Great Britain – including: 66 in Scotland, 83 in Yorkshire, 83 in central England, 91 in south London and 42 in south-mid Wales.
It’s important to note that the locations listed represent only potential sites.
Lidl says only a small number will eventually be developed and opened as stores.
But, the retailer has confirmed a new store target of 1,100 stores by the end of 2025, creating 4,000 new jobs.
Meanwhile, we have put together a guide to all the stores closing in November, including Boots and M&S.
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