3 hours Ago
The Midcounties Co-operative has confirmed that the Co-op store on Franche Road in Kidderminster will close after it was identified as "no longer fitting with the long-term strategy of the society". The sale of the site to Lidl has been agreed in principle with the Co-op set to close in around 18 months time. A spokesperson for The Midcounties Co-operative said: "The Midcounties Co-operative board regularly reviews our property footprint to ensure we’re providing the best opportunity to deliver for our members and customers and support local communities across the Midcounties region.
"As part of this ongoing review, the Franche Road store has been identified as no longer fitting with the long-term strategy of the society and we have informed colleagues that a sale of the site to Lidl has been agreed in principle. "The exact time frames for a transfer of the site have yet to be agreed but is expected to take around 18 months." The store is continuing to trade as normal with plans for the Post Office, travel store and pharmacy to find alternative locations.
The Midcounties Co-operative said: "In the meantime, the Franche store continues to trade as usual, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our valued customers and members to the store. The Post Office, Travel Store and Pharmacy located on site also continue to trade as normal and we are working with the respective businesses in an effort to find alternative locations. "The Midcounties Co-operative continues to invest in our food retail business, having opened 12 new stores over the last two years, investing more than £7 million, including over £250,000 in our nearby Areley Kings store.
"The Society has also distributed more than £100,000 to more than 300 good causes in the region over the past twelve months alone and continually looks for opportunities to expend our trading estate, including across Worcestershire." Lidl confirmed acquisition of the Co-op site and said "we look to bring our first store to Kidderminster." No firm timeline is in place for the transition.
Crest Pharmacy said pharmacy services are not affected by the closure and patients should continue to use the pharmacy as usual. More details are set to be provided shortly. A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "Franche Post Office is open as normal.
"We have not received a resignation from Midcounties Co-op that operates this branch.".
