Co-op store shuts, with new tenant to move in
BRANCH STAFF TRANSFER TO REPLACEMENT, SIMPLY FRESH
CO-OP has closed one of its Leicester stores – but a replacement tenant is lined up to move in.
The shop signs have been taken down from the store in Groby Road, Leicester, and the building has been emptied.
Simply Fresh, which describes itself as an upmarket grocery store which focuses on British produce, will be moving in.
It will be the company’s second store in Leicester – it already has one on the De Montfort University campus.
A spokesman for Central England Co-operative said: “The society can confirm it has entered into an agreement with City Estates Investment Limited, which trades under the Simply Fresh brand, to sell its food store in Groby Road, Leicester.
“This will mean all staff will be transferred across as part of the sale, with all colleagues retaining existing terms and conditions under Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment legislation.
“The society has been working for several months on various proposals for this store and chose this option to ensure employment for colleagues would be retained.
“The decision on the future of the store came following a full review of trading performance, which indicated a decline in sales, with increasing losses projected in future years.
“Like other retailers, we are constantly adapting to retail challenges at a local level.
“Please be assured this decision was not taken lightly and is necessary to protect the long-term future and growth of the society as a whole.
“Despite the sale of this sites, Central England Co-operative remains committed to serving the area and the society is planning several new stores and refurbishments throughout 2020 to ensure our customers continue to be served, including a new food store in Donington Le Heath which is due to open next month.
“We would like to thank all the staff for their commitment and dedication during their time with the society.”
It is not known when Simply Fresh will open.