Ipswich: Co-op store in Norwich Road set to close its doors just months after Tesco opened at neighbouring Emperor Pub site

A convenience store in Ipswich is set to close its doors for the final time tomorrow, it has emerged.

The East of England Co-operative has said it has taken the “difficult decision” to close down its shop in Norwich Road at 6pm on Saturday.

It comes after bosses admitted last month that they were looking into a “potential closure” due to “competitor impact”.

The store neighbours a Tesco Express store, which opened in December at the former Emperor Pub.

A total of 14 full-time and part-time employees worked at the store. A spokesman for the East of England Co-operative said “some” will be made redundant but would not disclose how many.

Roger Grosvenor, executive officer – retail for the East of England Co-operative, said some staff members will be redeployed.

He said: “Following careful consideration and a period of consultation with store colleagues, we have made the difficult decisions to close our store on Norwich Road.

“A number of staff at the branch have already been redeployed, with others still in the process of being found work within the business.

“The store will close tomorrow, Saturday, March 22, at 6pm.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members and customers who shopped at the Norwich Road store and hope to see you in one of our other 24 food stores in Ipswich.

“We are now actively considering a number of uses for the site and will share any developments as they arise.”

There has been a wave of new convenience-style supermarkets opening in the town, including a Morrisons ‘M’ at the junction of St Matthew’s Street and Berners Street.