A SUPERMARKET with 73 shops is set to close two of its stores in the coming weeks – and one of them has been sold to Tesco.
East of England Co-op will shut its outlet at the Rosehill shopping centre in Ipswich on January 27.
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The chain is also closing its store at the Triangle shopping centre in the Essex seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea on February 24.
It is understood that the Frinton shop is being sold to Tesco.
East of England Co-op is independent from Co-op and has 73 branches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
CEO Doug Field told Suffolk News: “This is difficult news to announce.
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“But this is unfortunately the right thing to do to allow us to continue to grow.
“This is absolutely no reflection on our incredible colleagues, who provide fantastic service to our members and customers.
He added: “As you would expect we are doing all we can to support them.
“It’s important to remember that in 155 years we have had to constantly evolve our Co-op.
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“However difficult these decisions are they are made for the right reasons so we can continue to strengthen our business.
“These branches all have other Co-ops nearby that will be able to support our customers in the future.”
Posting on Facebook, Frinton man Steve Crees said: “Surprise, surprise”.
Grace Oxley said: “Hopefully something better is going to open.”
