Last day of trading for ‘beloved’ supermarket store pulling down shutters permanently today
A “BELOVED” supermarket is pulling down its shutters permanently today.
In the latest blow to the high street, Swindon’s popular store is shutting down for the last time leaving loyal customers saddened.
After years of serving the community on Cricklade Road, Midcounties Crossways Co-op is bidding farewell.
The store was a community cornerstone for many who flocked to nab their favourite items.
But they will now have to take their baskets elsewhere as the supermarket is rolling down its shutters permanently today.
The empty unit has been snapped up by an independent retailer.
According to Midcounties Co-op, staff will be transferred to a new store.
A spokesperson said: “The Midcounties Co-operative Board regularly reviews our property footprint to ensure we’re providing the best opportunity to deliver for our members and support local communities across the region.
“As part of this work, it was identified that the Crossways Store no longer fit with the long-term strategy of the Society and the site was placed on the market.
“We have now exchanged on a sale of the site to an independent retailer who will continue to operate a food retail store on the site.
“All ten of our Crossways colleagues will be offered the opportunity to transfer over to the new operator and we have entered into a period of consultation with them.”
This is the Co-op members’ retailer run by the Midcounties Co-operative which is different to the mainstream Co-Op which deals in food, insurance, legal services and funerals.
The Midcounties Co-op, which operates over 300 stores, insists this move is part of a “strategic shuffle” to best serve their members and support regional communities.
Bosses ploughed over £7 million into opening 12 new branches in the last two years.
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.
But the decision to pull down the shutters has sparked outrage among the locals.
Shoppers have taken to social media to vent their frustration, with one Facebook user slamming: “Another one!
They closed the one in Gorse Hill years ago and it’s still derelict.”
Another local shopper told the Swindon Advertiser: “I come to the Co-op because it is the only place that I can top up my electricity card in-store.
“I can’t do that over in Tesco so I don’t know what I’m going to do if the Co-op closes.”
A third customer added: “I’ve lived here for 24 years and the Co-op has always been there for as long as I can remember. Lots of people use it and will definitely miss it once it’s gone.”
The supermarket staple is the latest casualty in a wave of store closures sweeping the nation.
It comes as shoppers were left devastated as Marks and Spencer is set to close a “perfect” store for good today.
The posh supermarket chain is rolling down the shutters for the last time on its Peterborough branch.
Elsewhere, Superdry is closing a retail outlet at the end of play today as the high street continues to be hit by tough trading conditions.
Why are high street stores closing?
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.
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.