A MAJOR supermarket with over 1,400 locations is to close a much-loved store.
Sainsbury’s has been at the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, South London, since 1969.
GettySainsbury’s will close a much-loved store in South London[/caption]
PASainsbury’s has been at the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, South London, since 1969[/caption]
When it opened 54 years ago, it was the chain’s largest site in the country.
But dwindling footfall to the run-down shopping centre, and with plans by owners Westfield to build a new site, the store has been dealt a death knell.
And with five other smaller convenient stores in the area, the retail giant has now confirmed the store is set to close later this year.
An exact closure date has not been confirmed, despite September being earmarked in June.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told Inside Croydon: “We are currently talking to our colleagues at our Central Croydon superstore in the Whitgift Centre, which we have made the difficult decision to close.
“We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected and we are supporting them in every way we can.
“This includes exploring alternative roles for colleagues within Sainsbury’s.
“Customers will continue to be able to shop with us at a number of nearby Sainsbury’s stores, including our West Croydon Station Local, George Streel Local and Croydon High Street Local stores.
“The decision to close a store is never taken lightly.”