A well-known convenience store known as a vital part of the local community has officially announced its upcoming closure next month, dealing another blow to the town’s main shopping area. The Spar branch located in Bury St Edmunds, managed by AF Blakemore, is scheduled to cease operations on Friday, February 20, after years of serving the area’s residents. The sudden news has left shoppers surprised and saddened.
Numerous patrons expressed their dismay on social media platforms such as Facebook, as reported by the Sun. Comments included sentiments like “We care – we need jobs” and “I loved that store.” Heartbroken locals described the store as a fundamental pillar of the community and expressed concerns about the diminishing presence of local businesses in the town.
This closure occurs amidst a concerning trend of retail struggles across British high streets, as evidenced by Lloyds Bank’s decision to shut down five branches and a total of 71 branches nationwide. Additionally, popular children’s retailer Smiggle has also been announcing closures.
Major retail chains like Wilko have faced closures, while Poundland and the Co-operative Group have implemented branch shutdowns as part of cost-saving initiatives. The retail landscape has seen significant changes, with Debenhams closing numerous stores permanently following administration, and Marks & Spencer focusing on larger food outlets and online sales by exiting smaller locations.
Advocates warn that the continuous loss of shops and services poses a risk to community vitality, affecting residents’ access to essential amenities and places for social interaction. The wave of closures is attributed to rising operational costs, intense online competition, and evolving consumer shopping behaviors.
The impending closure of Spar coincides with Tesco’s expansion plans in the area, as a new Tesco Express has been approved to operate at numbers 1–3 in the same retail strip. The store is permitted to sell alcohol and trade seven days a week from 6 am until midnight, following planning approval in 2024. Although Tesco anticipates the Express to open in summer 2025, an official launch date has not yet been confirmed.
