Supermarket Co-op has confirmed it will be shutting the doors of two of its shops in the next few months.
Co-op in the Triangle Shopping Centre in Rochford Way, Frinton, will close on February 24, and Co-op Food in Chalfont St Peter, located in the Bishops House building, will close on March 3, 2024.
Co-op employees at the Frinton store will be offered employment by the new owners - which has been confirmed as Tesco - or in nearby East of England Co-op stores.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re excited to be opening our first Tesco Superstore in Frinton this year, complementing our nearby Express store in Walton. We look forward to serving the local community when our doors open in May and supporting the region through our Stronger Starts and Community Food Connection initiatives.”
Co-op will close a food store in Buckinghamshire
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As for why the Chalfont St Peter location will be closing, the reason is that Co-op’s lease will have expired.
But this does not mean that Co-op customers will be left high and dry.
Co-op has assured customers it remains committed to serving Buckinghamshire communities, operating more than 30 stores across the county.
It has been rumoured that the landlord is looking to develop the building into apartments.
Still, Chalfont St Peter locals have taken to social media to express their disappointment that the store will be closing down.
In a Facebook group called Chalfont St. Peter, one customer wrote: "Just heard that the Co-op store in Chalfont St Peter is closing in order to build yet more flats. Another nail in the community's coffin and very sad for the people who work there."
A local resident replied: "It’s awful news...the Co-op does so much for the community."
Another added: "I use it all the time, this is such a blow to the village."
One Co-op shopper lamented: "I cannot imagine the high street without the buzz of nipping in and out of the Co-op all the time. What a crazy loss to our village. I do hope the employees find work elsewhere locally. So sad."
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Matalan will close a store in February 2024
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Another local added: "That's APPALLING news!!! Where are the elderly supposed to shop?? My mum relies on the Co-op and M&S, she can't drive or take a bus anymore. I'm utterly shocked."
Retail in the UK has taken a hit in recent years. When Covid hit and the national lockdowns were enforced, people took to online shopping.
More recently, the cost of living crisis has altered the way people shop and their spending habits.
Co-op's closure comes as two fashion brands decided to shut down particular stores.
Peacocks at arc Shopping Centre store in Bury St Edmunds will close permanently on January 25.
Matalan has confirmed the store in The Core Shopping Centre in Leeds will close on, February 24.