Co-op Confirms Permanent Store Closures in Dorset and Wokingham
Major UK supermarket chain Co-op has announced the permanent closure of two stores, with locations in Blandford, Dorset and Wokingham set to shut their doors permanently. The company cited sustained market changes and significant operating cost increases as the primary reasons behind these difficult decisions.
Dorset Store Closure Details
The Co-op store located at Salisbury Road in Blandford, Dorset will close permanently on February 24, 2026. A company spokesperson emphasized that this closure does not reflect on the dedication or performance of the staff working at this location. All affected colleagues have been notified about the impending closure.
The spokesperson stated: "We will work closely with them to explore opportunities to transfer to other Southern Co-op stores or roles wherever possible. While this may not be feasible for everyone, we are committed to supporting all impacted colleagues throughout this process."
Wokingham Location Also Closing
This announcement follows recent news about the Co-op food convenience store in Market Place, Wokingham, which revealed last month that it will close permanently on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10pm. This closure comes after third-party purchasers withdrew from a proposed acquisition of the site.
Southern Co-op explained that this store was part of a broader portfolio optimization plan announced last year, which included divesting 22 directly managed stores. While most stores were successfully transferred to new operators, five locations including Wokingham faced acquisition challenges.
Community Reaction and Company Response
Local residents have expressed disappointment about the closures on social media platforms. One community member described the Blandford closure as "a huge loss to all the staff currently working there," while another called the branch a "great shop" and described the news as "very sad."
The company spokesperson expressed gratitude to loyal customers while acknowledging the disappointment these closures will cause: "We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and apologize for any disappointment caused as a result of the decision to close this store."
Staff Support and Redeployment Efforts
For both locations, Co-op has committed to extensive support for affected employees. The company will explore redeployment opportunities within Southern Co-op stores and other roles within the organization. Where redeployment proves impossible, positions will regrettably be at risk of redundancy.
The company reiterated its commitment: "We are committed to supporting all impacted colleagues throughout this process." This includes consultation periods and assistance with transition planning for those whose roles cannot be preserved within the organization.
These closures represent ongoing challenges in the UK retail sector as supermarkets navigate changing market conditions and increasing operational pressures. Co-op's approach emphasizes staff welfare during these transitions while acknowledging the impact on local communities that have supported these stores.
