Simply Fresh to take over a second city Co-op store
A SECOND Co-operative in Leicester is set to become a Simply Fresh store.
Central England Co-operative has confirmed that its shop in Aberdale Road, West Knighton, will close.
Earlier this week, the Co-op announced that Simply Fresh was taking over its store in Groby Road.
A Central England Co-operative spokesman said that the company had entered into a sale agreement with City Estates Investment, which trades under the banner of Simply Fresh.
It describes its business as “an upmarket grocery store concept”.
He said of the West Knighton closure: “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 that 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 site,
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.”
The Co-operative did not confirm when the store would close.