Big supermarket chain with 343 stores across UK closes branch permanently today

A major supermarket with 343 locations across the UK will permanently close a branch today. Heron Foods announced the September 27 closure less than a fortnight ago, and customers were shocked at its rapid exit from the high street.

The supermarket, which specialises in frozen food, confirmed the last day of trading for the Scunthorpe store in Parishes Shopping Centre on its community Facebook page on September 16. It thanked its "valued customers" for their support and informed them that the decision had not been made lightly, but shoppers expressed disappointment that "another good shop" was closing on Scunthorpe high street.

The Facebook post read: "Dear valued customers. We want to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to our Heron Foods store in Scunthorpe.

"It's been a pleasure serving the local community, and we're incredibly grateful for the relationships we've built over the years.

"We're writing to let you know that our Scunthorpe store, located at Jubilee Way in the Parishes Shopping Centre, will be closing down. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand it may come as disappointing news to many of you."

It confirmed the final day of trading would be September 27, and encouraged customers to "take advantage" of special offers. It has since announced clearance sales.

It added: "While this location is closing, we remain committed to serving our customers across the UK. You can continue to shop with us at nearby Heron Foods stores. Thank you again for being part of our journey in Scunthorpe. We'll miss you!"

It comes after a rollercoaster year for Scunthorpe. Its major steel works faced potential closure before the Government used emergency powers on April 12 to save the site and the jobs of around 2,700 people. Others also reported the high street going "downhill", speaking to The Express.

One customer reacted: "Not good for the town yet again another good shop to close."

Another said: "Best shop in town for bargains and there closing down come let's save herons."

A third added: "It's a absolute shame for the wonderfully helpful staff." A fourth said: "Shame it's shutting down always go in there every week."

Heron Foods began as a butcher in Hull in 1978 before it expanded nationwide. In August 2017, B&M purchased the chain in a reported £152million acquisition.

The chain will open a new location in Byker, Newcastle, on October 16, and it is also investing in the refurbishment of the Fulwell shop in Sunderland, due to reopen at the start of October.