A SUPERMARKET heavyweight with 2,500 branches across the country is closing a vital store.
The Co-op in north Oxfordshire is due to be replaced by a new convenience store.
The Midcounties Co-op, in Burchester Place, Banbury, will be closing[/caption]
The Burchester Place branch in Banbury will close for the final time on Wednesday March 5 at 5pm.
Shoppers were stunned to find a notice in the window that read: “We apologise for the inconvenience and would like to thank our customers for their continued support.”
The shop will be transformed into a Morrisons Local and Co-op staff will be transferred to the new store.
It’s not yet been revealed when the Morrisons Local will be opening.
A spokesperson for The Midcounties Co-operative said: “Co-operative board regularly reviews our property footprint to ensure we’re providing the best opportunity to deliver for our members and customers and support local communities across the Midcounties region.”
“As part of this review, the Burchester Road site was identified as no longer fitting with the long-term strategy of the Society.
“A sale of the site to national retailer Samy’s has been agreed and the sale will complete this week, with the site continuing to operate as a grocery store.
“All colleagues at the store will transfer to the new owner of the site.
“The Midcounties Co-operative continues to invest in our food retail business, having opened 12 new stores over the last two years, investing more than £7 million.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome our members and customers at our food stores across the region.”
This comes after the Co-op branch in Honiton, East Devon, will close for good on March 15, The Midweek Herald reports.
Shoppers and locals have been left dismayed at the closure, with almost 200 writing thank you cards to staff at the branch.
Others have posted on Facebook sharing their disappointment the store will permanently shut.
One said: “We have to use the shops in Honiton. Use them or lose them.”
Another dejectedly said: “Another empty shop.”
