The UK high street continues to face challenges, with 19 Co-op food stores expected to close in 2025.
The retail sector g due to the cost-of-living crisis, along with high rents and increasing operational costs.
Central Co-op has revealed plans to close 19 of its food stores across the Midlands and East Anglia by May 2025, citing "financial sustainability issues" according to .
Of these, three will be converted into B&M stores, while the other 16 will be acquired by Samy Limited, an independent convenience chain that operates brands like Spar, Londis, and Premier.
B&M will be leasing stores in Norfolk, West Midlands and Leicestershire and Samy's is acquiring Central Co-op locations in areas such as South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Cambridgeshire.
The following 19 Central Co-op Food stores are scheduled to close within the next six months:
These locations are part of a broader wave of closures within the company, which will also include the permanent shutdown of six funeral homes.
Although these closures are part of a restructuring effort, Central Co-op has still managed to open five new stores and complete renovations at 35 others in 2024.
The company said it is focusing on optimising its store network to better serve its communities with its remaining locations.
