Sainsbury's, one of the UK's major supermarket chains, has closed its flagship store in the Whitgift Centre in Croydon after 54 years of operation. The store shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, October 14, 2023. This closure comes as the Whitgift Centre has been plagued by neglect for over a decade, leading to concerns that other major traders may follow suit.
End of an era for Sainsbury's in Croydon
The Sainsbury's store in the Whitgift Centre, which first opened in 1969, has officially closed down. The closure date was confirmed a few weeks later than initially suggested due to a review of the supermarket's property estate. Despite being the largest Sainsbury's supermarket in the country when it first opened, the store has been deemed unnecessary with the presence of five smaller convenience stores in the area.
Shoppers not surprised by closure
Many shoppers were not surprised by the closure of the Whitgift Centre store, with some describing it as run down. Reviews online mentioned long queues and a lack of staff. However, customers praised the friendly and helpful staff, expressing disappointment that the store was closing down.
Sainsbury's describes the closure as a difficult decision
A spokesperson for Sainsbury's acknowledged that the decision to close the Whitgift Centre store was a difficult one. The supermarket chain has been offering support to affected colleagues and exploring redeployment opportunities within Sainsbury's. Customers are encouraged to shop at nearby Sainsbury's stores, including the West Croydon Station Local, George Street Local, and Croydon High Street Local stores.
Concerns for the future of the Whitgift Centre
The closure of Sainsbury's flagship store in the Whitgift Centre raises concerns about the future of the shopping center. With over a decade of neglect, there are fears that other major traders may also choose to close their doors. The fate of the Whitgift Centre remains uncertain.
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