Supermarket giant Sainsbury's reveals closure plans for store in Northampton's Grosvenor Centre

Now Sainsbury's confirm to the Chron they are closing its town centre store with no plans to relocate
The Grosvenor Centre has confirmed the store will close in Spring.The Grosvenor Centre has confirmed the store will close in Spring.
The Grosvenor Centre has confirmed the store will close in Spring.

Sainsbury's has confirmed it is closing its store in Northampton's Grosvenor centre early next year.

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury's told the Chronicle & Echo that the grocery store, based in Princess Walk, will close next year, and staff have already been told.

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The news comes just hours after Tesco Metro in Abington Street have announced how it has plans to shut in February 2021 before relocating 'nearby' as an Express store.

Tesco Metro in Abington Street is relocating next year. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds.Tesco Metro in Abington Street is relocating next year. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds.
Tesco Metro in Abington Street is relocating next year. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds.

In a statement released to the Chron, a Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “We have updated colleagues on the difficult decision to close our Northampton 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 a number of nearby stores. For example, our Wellingborough Road store is a short walk away and Weedon Road store is a short drive.”

James Roberts, centre manager at Grosvenor Shopping Northampton, added: “Unfortunately, Sainsbury’s has made the difficult decision to close its branch with us next spring.

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"This is very sad and disappointing news for the town and especially the hardworking team at the supermarket, which has done a wonderful job in serving our shoppers for many years.

"We will be supporting our colleagues as best we can following this latest announcement.”

A year ago, Sainsbury's announced how it would close up to 15 supermarkets before 2021, with ten new stores expected to open over the next five years. Bosses hoped the move will save the company up to £500 million.

The relocation of Tesco in Abington Street is a blow to the high street as it leaves behind a larger, vacant unit, alongside empty former stores including Marks & Spencer, Thorntons, River Island, Card Market and Caffe Nero.