UK supermarket chain with 1,200 stores announces 'disappointing' closure

Asda has announced plans to close one of its stores, putting 50 jobs at risk. The supermarket wants to close its Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green, branch as it is no longer "viable commercially".

No exact closure date has been announced, but the lease on the building is reported to end in September. Asda told the Barking and Dagenham Post that it would try to offer affected workers other roles within the company. Asda has around 1,200 stores.

GMB regional officer Keith Dixon said: “This is devastating news for the shop staff, many of whom have worked for Asda for years. It will also be a blow to the wider community who have used this store since its opening in 2016.

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“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 this is not possible there could be job losses."

Mr Dixon added: “GMB are attending consultation meetings, which are still ongoing, and we hope to secure available positions for all affected members.

“Those who do not wish to deploy will face redundancy. We will support them through the process and ensure they receive the package they are entitled to.”

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.”

It comes after Asda opened its first stand-alone George concept store in Leeds. The shop features George clothing, home and garden ranges from the supermarket and is located in the Crown Point Retail Park.

Asda wants to replace all its existing Asda Living stores with this new format. Highlights include the George Spring/Summer 2025 collection, as well as children’s ranges from Erica Davies and Billie Faiers, plus the latest At Home with Stacey Solomon Spring/Summer collection.

The new store also features an Asda cafe, with an upgraded menu of hot and cold food. As well as manned checkouts, there are self-service options plus click and collect.