A major supermarket chain has confirmed plans to shut down another one of its locations in another blow to Britain's high streets amid the ongoing trend of store closures.
It is understood that frozen food retailer Iceland is set to close its Margate store on June 21, 2025.
The site, situated on College Square, will be the latest in a string of Iceland closures this year.
Last year, the discount supermarket shut down several branches, as well as stores in Derby on February 22 and Welling on February 1.
Iceland is closing another store
GETTYOther locations that have ceased trading this year include branches in Borehamwood and Exeter, with the chain yet to share specific reasons behind these closures.
As it stands, Iceland is one of the biggest supermarkets in the UK and operates around 900 stores. An Iceland spokesperson confirmed the closure, stating: "We can confirm our Margate Iceland store will close.
"Our store colleagues have entered into a consultation process and have been offered opportunities at surrounding stores where possible."
Despite these closures, Iceland is working to expand its footprint across the UK. The retailer has previously announced plans to open more Food Warehouse and Iceland sites.
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The high street has been hit with store closures in recent months PAThe Food Warehouse, which launched in 2014 under the Iceland Foods Group, has grown in popularity. These stores are typically larger than traditional Iceland branches and are often located in retail parks, catering to a wider range of shoppers.
Iceland recently announced plans to "double" its petrol forecourt presence through a new partnership with EG On the Move.
The frozen food specialist aims to increase its forecourt sites from 11 to 21 in the coming months. The partnership launched its first two stores on April 17 in Barnstaple and Rotherham, featuring prominent Iceland branding.
These locations will offer a selection of Iceland's most popular items and exclusive brands.
Justin Addison, Iceland Foods international and partnerships director, said: "We're proud to be working with EG On the Move to bring Iceland's much-loved frozen products to even more customers in convenient locations.
"These 10 new stores are just the start, as we continue to grow our forecourt proposition."
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High streets have been hit by a wave of store closures since the pandemic, on top of banks shutting down PAThe expansion into retail parks aligns with broader market trends, according to recent PwC research. Retail parks saw a net increase of 0.4 per cent of chain outlets, the only location type showing growth.
Over the past decade, retail parks have fared significantly better than other locations, with only three per cent fewer outlets in 2024 compared to 2014.
By contrast, shopping centres have lost 25 per cent of chain outlets and high streets nearly 30 per cent over the same period. Zelf Hussain, Restructuring Partner at PwC UK, warned that retailers face ongoing challenges in 2025.
"With substantial payroll cost increases and higher business rates taking effect in April, profit margins will remain under pressure, further straining high street retailers," he said.
