Co-op confirms transfer of Felixstowe branch to Sainsbury's

It is expected that existing colleagues at the Felixstowe store, in Hamilton Road, will transfer to Sainsbury's as part of the process.

The retailer has confirmed that the petrol filling station will remain unaffected by these changes, as well as the tenants of the properties due to the freehold ownership remaining under the East of England Co-op.

The Felixstowe branch is one of three being transferred - Brightlingsea in Essex will also be handed over to Sainsbury's.

The press release stated that Co-op is also in conversation with a second retailer regarding the transfer and lease of its Halstead Supermarket.

Doug Field, chief executive officer at the East of England Co-op, said: “We’ve informed our colleagues and tenants at our Brightlingsea, Felixstowe and Halstead supermarkets of our plans to lease and transfer these sites as going concerns, protecting both jobs and local services.

"This is in no way a reflection on our incredible colleagues, who provide fantastic service to our members and customers.

“We’ll keep affected colleagues and our members updated as these discussions progress, however at this time we’re unable to share any further information.” 

The supermarket hopes colleagues can be transferred to Sainsbury's (Image: Archant) Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “As we progress with our Next Level Sainsbury’s plan, we remain laser-focused on delivering the best combination of value and quality in the market and customers continue to recognise this.

"We want to keep building on this momentum, which is why we are growing our footprint further with new stores that will showcase some of the best that Sainsbury’s has to offer. We’re excited to be bringing Sainsbury’s supermarkets to Felixstowe and Brightlingsea for the first time and we look forward to welcoming these new stores into Sainsbury’s next year.”

The Co-op branches with travel departments will relocate to nearby locations, as well as the Co-op funeral services branch remaining unimpacted and in the same place.