Yesterday's announcement by Somerfield means its Prestatyn store’s given up the fight against Tesco—even before it’s began. Unlike in Rhuthun or Porthmadog, where there was more-than-token Somerfield resistance, Somerfield felt that in the light of yet-to-be-built Prestatyn Tesco’s, Somerfield’s plans to rebuild a new store ‘will not be economically viable’.
50 jobs are on the line following Somerfield’s capitulation to Tesco which, apparently, will close on 1 August and won’t even see out the busy high summer.
The decision gives Tesco a clear run in the town. Until Tesco’s completed, Prestatyn town centre will have the choice of specialist Iceland, spartan Aldi or community retailer Spar.
Prestatyn once enjoyed a high street Tesco (as did Rhuthun) but, in spite of local protests, it closed in the late 1970s. It’s recent battle with Somerfield in Prestatyn ended when the courts decided to support Denbighshire council’s compulsory purchase order of the former KwikSave site in favour of Tesco, ending seven years of wrangling.
Tesco has recently opened a store in Treffynnon/Holywell, another town with a large Somerfield. Anyone want to place any bets as to the longevity of Somerfield there?
Meanwhile, 2010 will see a clothes-and-food Marks & Spencer in Prestatyn, adjacent to Tesco’s, on a retail development currently partly occupied by Somerfield. There are bound to be opposing views on Tesco but you can bet that M&S will be universally welcomed.
50 jobs are on the line following Somerfield’s capitulation to Tesco which, apparently, will close on 1 August and won’t even see out the busy high summer.
The decision gives Tesco a clear run in the town. Until Tesco’s completed, Prestatyn town centre will have the choice of specialist Iceland, spartan Aldi or community retailer Spar.
Prestatyn once enjoyed a high street Tesco (as did Rhuthun) but, in spite of local protests, it closed in the late 1970s. It’s recent battle with Somerfield in Prestatyn ended when the courts decided to support Denbighshire council’s compulsory purchase order of the former KwikSave site in favour of Tesco, ending seven years of wrangling.
Tesco has recently opened a store in Treffynnon/Holywell, another town with a large Somerfield. Anyone want to place any bets as to the longevity of Somerfield there?
Meanwhile, 2010 will see a clothes-and-food Marks & Spencer in Prestatyn, adjacent to Tesco’s, on a retail development currently partly occupied by Somerfield. There are bound to be opposing views on Tesco but you can bet that M&S will be universally welcomed.
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Tesco