A leading UK supermarket revealed plans to shut two outlets imminently, in a blow to shoppers. One store is set to close next month, whilst another will cease operations in July.
In a significant move, Iceland has declared that its Margate branch will permanently shut its doors on June 21. The frozen food retailer with nearly 900 stores throughout the UK has been at the College Square site for ten years.
Whilst the exact reason behind the closure remains unclear, Iceland has assured its employees at the Margate store of alternative employment opportunities within the company. Speaking about the development, an Iceland representative confirmed: “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.”
Closures extended to the highlands as the budget-friendly chain prepares to seal off its Inverness city centre outlet located on Rose Street Retail Park, bidding adieu on July 12. According to The Inverness Courier, Iceland appears to be refocusing its energies on the expansion of its Food Warehouse branches. This pivot follows the recent launch of a Food Warehouse location in Telford back in November 2022.
An Iceland spokesperson said: “We can confirm our Iceland store located at Rose Street, Inverness, is scheduled to close on July, 12. Our store colleagues will enter into a consultation process and will be offered opportunities at surrounding stores where possible. Shoppers can visit our local Food Warehouse store in Inverness located on Telford Street, IV3 5LU.”
It’s crucial to remember that supermarkets and retailers shut down stores for a multitude of reasons, not just because they’re struggling. Some close due to the lease ending, or because the branch isn’t as profitable as others.
The supermarket chain has recently introduced a new cost-saving scheme that offers customers a 10% discount on their food shopping throughout May.
The scheme provides students with a discount every Wednesday during May. This means that students nationwide who shop at Iceland or the Food Warehouse will receive a discount if they visit the stores on:.
To get the discount, students must present a valid student ID to the shop staff. There is no minimum spend required to get the discount, but unfortunately, it can only be claimed for in-store purchases – it cannot be used for online orders.