SHOPPERS have been left distraught after a major supermarket chain gears up to close one its stores after opening three decades ago.
It comes with the discount retailer set to shutter two further branches next month.
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But the chain also has plans to open hundreds of sites across the UK as well.
Lidl, with 960 supermarkets in Britain, is calling time on its store in Girlington, Bradford.
The retailer will welcome in customers for the final time on February 29, after opening almost 30 years ago.
The supermarket chain said it had tried finding a larger site in Girlington over the last two years but had been refused plans by Bradford Council.
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Meanwhile, all staff from the store will be offered roles at other Lidl branches, it said.
A spokesperson added: “In the last three years alone, we have opened two brand new stores in Eccleshill and Shipley to serve and provide an enhanced shopping experience in Bradford, in addition to our existing stores on Manchester and Barkerend Road.
“Whilst the store, which is almost 30 years old will be closing on February 29, we hope to continue welcoming customers to one of our four Bradford stores.”
Shoppers have reacted with shock after discovering the branch will pull down its shutters permanently.
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One said: “Absolutely ludicrous decision to refuse the plan.”
A second commented: “Wow, it’s always sad to see a store that’s been a part of the community for so long close its doors.”
Meanwhile, a third added: “I am also sad…. the bakery gets me through my work day.”
It comes after Lidl confirmed it will pull down the shutters on its branch in Kentish Town, London, on February 11, after a decade.
A spokesperson for the budget chain said the branch had been forced to close as it was “unfortunately no longer fit for purpose”.
Meanwhile, the retailer is shutting its branch in Paignton, Devon, on February 4 after opening 25 years ago.
And Lidl’s branch in Leyland, Lancashire, is calling time on February 29, with shoppers branding the closure “shocking”.
It comes as a number of retailers across the UK struggle amid a tricky economic backdrop.
Recent figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed over 10,000 shops closed for the last time in 2023, and almost 120,000 jobs were lost across the sector.
That was down from figures in 2022, when over 150,000 retail jobs were lost, but is still a blow for businesses.
Iconic names Wilko and Paperchase both fell into administration last year, with thousands of staff laid off.
Meanwhile, Boots confirmed plans to consolidate its portfolio of branches from 2,200 to 1,900.
Other retailers have closed stores between them, including Iceland, New Look and the Original Factory Shop.
However, it’s not all bad news for the high street, with a number of retailers opening stores across the UK.
B&M, which currently runs over 650 UK stores, recently announced plans to open 17 more across January and February.
Asda also plans to open 21 new locations before the end of the month as well.
The retailer said it wants to have 1,000 stores running across the UK and Northern Ireland by March this year.
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And Lidl confirmed in April last year it wanted to open hundreds of locations as part of expansion plans.
The Sun asked Bradford Council to comment.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
