Tesco has confirmed its plans to close two popular branches in England, with the first scheduled to go in a matter of days.
Loyal customers in Chippenham and Armthorpe will lose their local branches to make way for new retail opportunities.
The Chippenham superstore, which has been open since 2008, is located in the Emery Gate shopping centre in Wiltshire.
No exact date has been confirmed but the retailer has announced the relocation of the supermarket nearby, though there is a catch.
Tesco has secured new, smaller premises in Chippenham town centre which we will open as Tesco Chippenham High Street Express.
News of the relocation has sparked conversation among locals with many branding it a “major loss” to Chippenham town centre.
One local posted on X, formerly Twitter to say: “The loss of Tescos in Chippenham town centre is a major loss. Despite opening an Express instead, we will now be reduced to ‘convenience’ shopping with less choice at higher prices and forced to drive out of town to find a proper supermarket. Sad.”
A second person branded it a “major blow”, expressing concerns for the store’s elderly customer base who “rely” on access to the town centre to get their shopping done at the large Tesco site.
The Twitter user, who goes by the name @siobhanoulton, added that without it, locals would have “less choice and be forced to pay higher prices”.
Tesco customers local to the Armthorpe store in Doncaster have been less vocal on social media ahead of its closure.
The Armthorpe store on Mill Street in Doncaster will close permanently on January 27 at 5pm. Shoppers will still be able to shop at Tesco but will instead have to visit the Wheatley Hills, Doncaster Tesco Express branch.
Unlike the Chippenham site which will be replaced with another Tesco branch, the Mill Street site will be replaced with a One Stop.
A spokesperson for the Tesco Group-owned brand said: “We’re excited to be opening our Mill Street, Armthorpe store on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
“Our new store will provide customers with a wide range of great quality products and services right on their doorstep. We look forward to being part of the local community and are proud to make a difference in the areas we serve.”
The Armthorpe store on Mill Street in Doncaster will close permanently on January 27 at 5pm.
