Supermarket with 2,500 UK stores ‘permanently’ closing shop on Sunday | UK | News
A supermarket with more than 2,500 stores in the UK is permanently closing one of its branches on Sunday. Co-op store building in HeadingtonOxford to be demolished with a closed Post Office four days ago.
Today, Saturday 3 January, the Co-operative branch will close forever, ending 134 years of trading. After the planning application was given the green light, both the Co-operative and the Post Office will be demolished and replaced with laboratories. Annaliese Dodds Labor MP for Oxford East said: “Although unfortunately the Co-op branch will close its doors on 3 January 2026, the Post Office has expressed interest in a new post office branch nearby.
“I will be pushing them to act quickly to maintain these vital services in the heart of Headington and will post updates as soon as we receive them.”
In October, the supermarket revealed its own research found that up to 60,000 small shops and up to 150,000 businesses could disappear from the high street.
He said: “The Co-op’s 6.9 million members are clear: they want thriving local shops, safer high streets and stronger communities. The In Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign responds to this imperative. Information from the Co-op’s Big Survey shows 67% believe their high street is dying, 78% say it is worse than five years ago and 83% see it as vital to community wellbeing. Members see more independent shops and community spaces.” “This is proof that local retail is protected. It’s not just about economics, it’s about identity and belonging.”
Co-op Group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “As we approach a critical autumn budget, there is a real danger that the voices of small shops and the communities they serve will not be heard. Local shops are not just businesses; they are part of the social fabric of Britain. For some, visiting a local shop is one of the few opportunities they have to chat to someone and feel connected.
“This research shows a clear public mandate to take action. Regardless of how they voted, the majority of people want the Government to do more to protect their high streets. “This is an opportunity for the Government to truly prove to people that it will do whatever it takes to make a difference to people’s communities and their wellbeing.
“The proposed system will improve the finances of 99% of retailers. How much protection they will have from tax rises depends on the decisions taken in this Budget. We need inclusive growth to strengthen local economies, create jobs and ensure community cohesion. This means supporting businesses on the street corners, neighbourhoods, parades and high streets of every community. For them to not only survive but thrive, the Government needs to commit to the maximum level of aid.”
James Lowman, chief executive of the Convenience Stores Association, said: “Last year alone, grocers’ business rates bills rose by over £100 million. Unless the Government commits to full use of new powers to introduce a permanently lower multiplier for local shops, these essential local shops now face significant increases with the expected reduction in the 40% Retail and Hospitality Benefit and the revaluation next April.”
