CHECKING OUT
Shock at news Sainsbury’s is set to axe Olympia store
East Kilbride t own centre has been dealt a hammer blow with supermarket giant Sainsbury’s confirming they are axing the Olympia store.
The doors will close in January as part of plans to shut 15 shops over the next two years.
Retail bosses won’t confirm how many jobs are at risk, but say that they are working to relocate as many staff as possible to other stores, including to the Kingsgate shop.
The shocking news, however, has been slammed by local politicians who have described it as a “devastating blow” to the community.
Both the town’s MSP, Linda Fabiani and MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, have written to the company’s chief executive calling for reassurances that everything possible will be done to relocate staff.
Sainsbury’s is the latest in a number of high-profile names to shut up shop in the town centre.
Marks & Spencer have wound down operations at its Plaza store ahead of closure – although no date for pulling down the shutters has been given.
A Sainsbury’s Olympia worker has a cc us e d the retail giant of “betraying” loyal staff following the a nnouncement t hat they are axing the store.
The firm made the shock announcement t his week after it previously revealed it intended to close up to 15 stores over the next two years.
Doors will shut for good in January, with local politicians branding the news a “devastating blow” for East Kilbride and its town centre.
It follows Marks & Spencer running down operations in the Plaza after it confirmed it still intends to close the store–s parking a war of words with EK, East Kilbride bosses.
Bosses at Sainsbury’s say they are “doing everything they can” to relocate workers including to the nearby Kingsgate superstore.
They haven’t confirmed how many jobs are at risk but dozens are employed there.
However, one furious worker said staff – who have been in the frontline during the Covid pandemic – feel like they have been “kicked in the teeth”.
The worker, who doesn’t want to be named, said: “I am both upset and hurt by the news.
“We have all been left in limbo about whether we are getting moved or not.
“Most of us will be made redundant. No transfers are automatic and other stores don’ t have to take us on either.
“After all the hard work most of us have done during
Covid we will also have to still work through Christmas and New Year – the busiest time of the year.
“We are getting no gratitude f or anything we have done. I am l et down hugely by them. All they care about is money.
“I don’t understand the fact that they won’t move us automatically and won’t create new jobs for us despite what is being said by the company publicly.”
Another worker told the News that“many of the employees are older and will struggle to find work” and described the decision as an “atrocious blow to the community”.
The closure will hit customers who are unable to drive to Kingsgate – including the elderly and vulnerable – the hardest.
And a number of local charities also received vital support through the store’s fundraising efforts.
Linda Fabiani MSP said: “This announcement is a real blow to the workers who have been excellent in giving service to their customers through this pandemic.
“It’s sad news for shoppers and the wider town centre too.
“I have written to the Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s to seek assurances that they will be doing everything within their power to protect as many jobs as possible.
“I have pointed out, too, that they have an obligation to their long-standing, loyal customers, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable andre lyon the Olympia store.”
MP Lisa Cameron added: “Following this news, I have held discussions with Sainsbury’s to highlight the local impact as residents rely upon this store and it is an anchor shop within East Kilbride.
“I understand they would require to sell the store on rather than walk away due to the nature of their lease.
“I have also written to the Scottish Government and I am meeting t he UK Minister for Consumers next week to ask that a task force be developed urgently to address the impact of Covid-19 on town centres.”
Tory MSP Graham Simpson said :“It’ s just another blow in a series to the town centre.
“I feel for the staff and hope that they can be given jobs elsewhere.
“Sainsbury’s was a flagship store and it will be hard to replace them.
“Other supermarket operators have been wanting to get into the town centre but that was pre-Covid so that could all have changed.”
A spokesperson f or EK , East Kilbride said :“The statement from Sainsbury’s is extremely disappointing and clearly concerning for employees at the EK , East Kilbride store.
“We have been in regular contact with the retailer but we had not been made aware of this announcement and are now seeking clarification on the situation.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said :“We have updated colleagues on the difficult decision to close our Olympia store and we are doing everything we can to find alternative roles within Sainsbury’s for those affected.
“Customers can continue to shop with us at our East Kilbride superstore.”