Update 2 It’s been confirmed that Cobden Bridge Co-op at the Triangle “is being sold” and is expected to stop trading next month.
• Co-op gets spookified
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The last day of trading as a Co-op store is expected to be November 20.
Then the Manor Farm Road supermarket, which is said to have been “a local asset for at least 50 years”, looks set to be transformed into a Spar.
A spokesperson for Co-op confirmed: "“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum and while this often involves opening new stores, we also regularly review our existing sites. A decision to sell any store is not taken lightly and, only after careful consideration is our store in Cobden Bridge to be sold. Our priority has been to safeguard local jobs and, colleagues - who have been informed – will transfer (under TUPE* regulations) to the new operator and, are being fully supported throughout the process. We would like to thank the community for its support of this store over the years.”
They added the decision to sell is "in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment of colleagues".
Speaking to bitternepark.info about the Triangle shop, St Denys resident Nathan Brown said: “Not looking forward to a downgrading of my local shop! Co-op range and ethics have always made the triangle store a real amenity.”
In 2015 the Co-operative Group closed its store at Witts Hill following the expiry of the lease. Competition from the nearby Tesco Express that opened in 2013 is thought to have played a part.
The Co-operative also pulled out of Portswood in 2014 citing “poor trading performance”.
A spokesperson for Appleby Westward, the regional distribution company for around 300 Spar stores in the south west, said: "The Cobden Bridge store is among a parcel of Co-op store disposals that we have purchased. You can be assured that we are delighted to be able to retain the staff, grow the retail offer and provide vital convenience services for the local community.
*Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations
Article revised 8/10/21 around 2.20pm to include and reflect comment from Co-op Group.
Further revised 8/10/21 to include and reflect comment from Appleby Westward
