A BRITISH supermarket giant is shutting one of its stores in hours.
The devastating move could put 50 jobs at risk.
Asda is closing one of its branches for good[/caption]
The Asda branch in Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green, will close its doors for good today, Sunday, September 7, after nearly a decade of trading.
Job losses
Union bosses have slammed the decision, warning it could leave dozens of workers without jobs.
Keith Dixon, GMB regional officer, said: “This is devastating news for the shop staff, many of whom have worked at Asda for years.
“We have many GMB members in this store and they are understandably concerned about their jobs.
“We hope that the majority may be able to move to neighbouring stores, but if that is not possible there could be job losses.”
The union is currently in consultation with the supermarket giant to try and secure new positions for staff at other branches. But those unwilling to transfer will face redundancy.
Rent hikes
Asda confirmed the Stepney Green store is shutting after the landlord demanded a huge rent increase.
The chain said the new lease terms would make the store “financially unviable”.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We are currently consulting with colleagues regarding the proposed closure of our Stepney Green supermarket.
“The lease on the premises is due to expire in September, and unfortunately, the new terms proposed by the landlord include a significant rent increase, which would make the store financially unviable.
“Our priority throughout this process is to support our colleagues, and wherever possible, we will look to redeploy them to other roles within Asda.
“We also understand that customers will be disappointed by this decision if it goes ahead, but we would like to reassure them that they can still get their favourite products and great value at our nearby Isle of Dogs superstore.”
Blow to the community
The Stepney Green site has been a mainstay for locals since opening almost 10 years ago.
One shopper wrote on Facebook: “It’s such a shame – it’s the closest one to where I live.”
Others branded the closure “unfortunate” as families prepared to say their final goodbyes to the store this weekend.
Locals now have just hours left to shop at Stepney Green before Asda shuts its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Retail pain
Asda’s closure comes as supermarkets and retailers battle rising costs, falling spending, and soaring rents.
Co-op recently revealed that 34 of its branches are at risk, while Morrisons shut 16 stores in April.
Elsewhere, fashion chain River Island has warned up to 33 shops could close in a major restructuring, while Poundland will shut 68 branches.
And just last month, accessories chain Claire’s collapsed into administration – though all 306 of its UK and Ireland stores remain open for now.
Asda’s rocky road
The closure comes at a turbulent time for Asda.
The chain, which operates more than 1,200 UK stores, is undergoing a £1billion IT upgrade that has already caused delivery and stock issues.
Executive chairman Allan Leighton admitted the shake-up has led to “temporary disruption” in stores and online orders, with problems expected to drag on until the end of September.
Meanwhile, the grocer is pushing ahead with investment in refurbishments, standalone convenience outlets, and its George clothing brand.
Asda has faced turbulence since its £6.8billion takeover by Blackburn brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa alongside private equity firm TDR Capital.
Last year, TDR Capital bought Zuber Issa’s stake, leaving his brother Mohsin as sole family shareholder.
How to save at Asda
Shop the budget range
Savvy shopper Eilish Stout-Cairns recommends that shoppers grab items from Asda’s Just Essentials range.
She said: “Asda’s budget range is easy to spot as it’s bright yellow! Keep your eyes peeled for yellow and you’ll find their Just Essentials range.
“It’s great value and I’ve found it has a much wider selection of budget items compared to other supermarkets.
Sign up to Asda Rewards
The savvy-saver also presses on the importance of signing up to Asda’s reward scheme.
She said: “Asda Rewards is free to join and if you shop at Asda you should absolutely sign up.
“As an Asda Rewards member, you’ll get exclusive discounts and offers, and you’ll also be able to earn 10% cashback on Star Products.
“This will go straight into your cashpot, and once you’ve earned at least £1, you can transfer the money in your cashpot into ASDA vouchers.
We’ve previously rounded up the best supermarket loyalty schemes – including the ones that will save you the most money.
Look out for booze deals
Eilish always suggests that shoppers looking to buy booze look out for bargain deals.
She said: “Asda often has an alcohol offer on: buy six bottles and save 25%.
“The offer includes selected bottles with red, white and rose options, as well as prosecco. There are usually lots of popular bottles included, for example, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot and Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C.
“Obviously, the more expensive the bottles you choose, the more you save.”
Join Facebook groups
The savvy saver also recommends that fans of Asda join Facebook groups to keep in the know about the latest bargains in-store.
Eilish said: “I recommend joining the Latest Deals Facebook Group to find out about the latest deals and new launches in store.
“Every day, more than 250,000 deal hunters share their latest bargain finds and new releases.
“For example, recently a member shared a picture of Asda’s new Barbie range spotted in store.
“Another member shared the bargain outdoor plants she picked up, including roses for 47p, blackcurrant bushes for 14p and topiary trees for 14p.”