Wellington’s Kwik Save store closed today with the loss of up to 12 jobs. Customers turning up to the supermarket found a note at the premises announcing its closure.
The future of all branches have been in doubt. In March bosses announced redundancy plans, despite a £50 million rescue package the previous month.
Workers and customers have been left furious over the uncertainty of the store’s future, after bosses refused to say which stores would be saved. Shirley and Chris Jackson, from Arleston, were regular visitors to the New Street store and were planning to do their shopping today.
“It used to be a good shop - it was handy, especially for the OAPs so they didn’t have to go so far. And it is terrible for the people who have lost their jobs,” Mrs Jackson said.
Margaret Maher, 75, lives nearby and suffers from osteoporosis but had walked to Kwik Save on her two walking sticks.
She said: “I have gone there for years. Now I’ll have to get the bus to Morrisson’s - I can’t walk that far.”
And another shopper added: “It is ridiculous and we can’t do anything about it. What’s going to close next?”
Telford & Wrekin mayor, councillor Miles Hoskin said: “It is tragic for the town, it is tragic for the whole of the community, especially for the retail side of Wellington.”
15 Comments
Yet another nail in Wellington’s coffin.
This is the official press release from Kwik Save
29th May 2007
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Kwik Save confirms 79 of its stores will close on Wednesday 30th May 2007.
It is with regret that Kwik Save has had to make this difficult decision. However, in order to enable the business to succeed, the Kwik Save management team has had to announce these cut backs to secure the future of the business.
Kwik Save would like to thank all of its staff affected by this regrettable situation, for their commitment to the company over the years.
An opportunity for sustainable investment?
Unlikely; More retail outlets, bars and other short-term “regeneration” schemes.
My late Gran used the KWIK SAVE in the early 1970’s and called it KWIKY. How sad they are closing. They were the first supermarkets to offer affordable prices !!
Wellington can survive without Kwik Save Harold - the store has been like the Mary Celeste for months now. I feel for those who have lost their jobs but Wellington will continue to thrive without a poorly spelt food store!
I use to work for the company at the wellington store in the 90’s it was always a buzzing store, but for the last few years its not been the same. Good staff have left due to the problems.
Wellington is slowly dieing. I work in the area and its full of employment agencies, take-aways and bars. It suits the students at the nearby colleges ideally. When its not market day the town is very quiet. Morrisons and Tesco locally have pulled a lot potential customers out of wellington town centre. Dawley and Madeley are also turning in to ghost towns.
nice one tesco,asda and sainsbury. strangle the life of everyone from the small corner shop to the local farmer so they cant make a living. they cant see the bigger picture for the money.
A Nonue - do you work for the councils PR dept ?
why dont you all lobby the bus company for a shoppers bus to all the nearby supermarkets everyone else has them
I went to this store a couple of months back. The shelves were empty, it smelt, there was no choice and it was expensive. The staff were rude to customers especially an old lady who couldn’t hear very well - I appreciate that the store was going through problems, but I would never have gone back even if it remained open…
i was in wellington over the bank holiday weekend wisiting the in-laws.my wife and i visited kwik save on saturday morning for some essentials.it was my 1st ever visit and after its closure it was now my last. the store was in poor order, it was dirty,badly lit,the shelves were empty and the staff were unwilling too help.on the evidence i saw the store will not be missed!
No Ian I don’t work for the Council - but I’ve lived in Wellington all my life and the loss of one poorly stocked shop isn’t going to kill the town.
You can’t simply blame Tescos and the like for the demise of smaller towns - people make the choice where they shop and Wellington is (eventually) fighting back against the large supermarkets and Shopping Centre.
I used to work here 10 or 11 years ago while I was at college. They made me redundent after Xmas… Another colleague and I were told at 18:00 by the manager as we were about to go home. We both got no notice and no extra pay - Good Riddance to you!!!!
Up untill 3 years ago I worked in Wellington for 9 years, the shop I worked in is still there.Not sure how because Wellington has gone down hill over the time that I worked there,And I think it will just get worse. Your fine if you want a snack at one of the many take aways,a haircut, or to pop in to a charity shop(not that I have anything against charity shops). Wellington isnt gong to get any better now