New supermarket chain Haldanes is considering closing one of its stores two months after opening.

The store in Hemsworth, Yorkshire, opened in April, but a consultation has started on the site that could lead to its closure.

"In an estate of stores like that of Haldanes, some outlets will operate more successfully than others. That is the nature of the business," a spokesman said.

"Unfortunately, the Hemsworth store is not performing to the standard expected. Haldanes has to look at all opportunities and options to ensure the ongoing success and strength of the group."

Haldanes has expanded rapidly since opening its first store last November. Its current store portfolio consists entirely of former Somerfield sites acquired from The Co-operative Group as part of its store sell-off following its acquisition of the chain.

Haldanes is not the only retailer struggling with former Somerfield sites. Last month, leaked data from The Co-op Group revealed that like-for-like sales in former Somerfield stores converted to The Co-operative fascia were down 12.2% year-on-year and 14.1% in February. Independent retailers who purchased stores are understood to have projected sales declines of up to 25%.

However, Haldanes has insisted it will continue to open new stores despite the setback. Last month it revealed it was in "top-level talks" to acquire more supermarkets, including four in the Midlands.

Read more
Haldanes promotes finance director Laud to chief exec position (15 May 2010)
Four months into operations, Haldanes Stores loses its CEO (3 April 2010)
Sales plunge at The Co-op’s Somerfields (29 May 2010)

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