The first Simply Fresh store in Northern Ireland has closed just six weeks after opening.
The store, which opened in December on a high street in Holywood, County Down, closed its doors this week because the retailer could no longer finance the business.
Owned by Foodhalls Ireland retailer Malcolm Hall, the 2,800 sq ft store featured the new Simply Fresh Kitchen concept and served breakfast lunch and dinner from an in-store dining area alongside its premium grocery range.
“It is with great regret that the Holywood store had to close its doors,” said Simply Fresh creative director Davinder Jheeta.
“All Simply Fresh stores are run by independent retailers under a licence. A full review of the local area and its potential for a new store was undertaken prior to its development. However, sales since the store opened have been slightly lower than anticipated and the store owner has been unable to continue financing his business. Therefore after only six weeks, he has reluctantly taken the decision to close the store with immediate effect.”
The Grocer understands that several retailers in the area are interested in snapping up the site to run it as a Simply Fresh and members of the local community have reached out to the symbol group to express their disappointment at its closure.
“Simply Fresh remains committed to growing the brand and support independent retailers across Northern Ireland,” said Jheeta.
“Discussions to re-open the store continue with two local retailers, and belief that the store can trade successfully remains. Support from the local community and the appetite for a Simply Fresh store continues to be positive.”
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