ALDI is preparing to close one of its most popular stores in just a few days, leaving shoppers devastated.
The Swanfield Place branch in Llanelli, , will shut its doors for good on April 27, and there are no plans to replace it.
This move by the budget supermarket giant is a blow to the local community, especially for those who rely on the store for affordable .
The nearest alternative , in Trostre, is around a 30-minute walk away, making it less accessible for many, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.
Cllr Sarah Evans expressed her concerns, highlighting the challenges for residents without cars.
She said: “This is a hell of a blow to those who do not have a car… it will hit the elderly and the most vulnerable the hardest.”
She added that Aldi had been a welcome addition to Llanelli, bringing cheaper prices and healthy competition to other supermarkets.
Shaun Greaney also voiced his frustrations, pointing out that many in the community could not afford to lose the store.
“With rising costs, this shop was a lifeline for those barely scraping by. I don’t know how people are going to manage now,” he said.
have expressed their disappointment on , with one saying: “Another great shop leaving our town.
“It's such a shame that Llanelli council won't try to keep this shop open.”
Another added, “I love it there and I agree it's always busy!!!
“I don't like the other Aldi, it's too big and the car park is awful!”
The closure has sparked a wider conversation about the fate of particularly in smaller towns.
Local are already struggling due to increased competition from online shopping and rising operating costs.
The closure of Aldi's Swanfield Place store adds to a growing list of closures across the country, including a recent M&S shut down in and the transformation of a in Banbury into a Local.
Aldi confirmed the closure, telling The Sun, “Our Swanfield Place Store will close in Spring 2025.
“Our valued customers will still be able to shop and save close to home at our Trostre Road Store.”
However, many customers are less than satisfied with this alternative.
“It feels like a betrayal of those loyal customers who spent their money at the store for years,” said Cllr Andrew Bragoli.
“I think it is a matter of record that when they were looking to open a store near Trostre Retail Park, the company promised to keep the store here in Swanfield Place.”
In Llanelli, the closure has left many wondering why the store, which had a loyal customer base and was reportedly still profitable, is being shut down.
Some locals speculate that Aldi’s decision is part of a larger strategy to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations, leaving smaller towns at a disadvantage.
The closure of Aldi’s Llanelli store comes at a time when other retailers, like M&S and Co-op, are also shutting locations due to changing market conditions and the impact of the crisis.
The pressures of rising , energy costs, and increased competition from discount retailers are causing many to rethink their presence in smaller towns and communities.
With no sign of a replacement, residents will have to look elsewhere for their groceries, while the future of the store remains uncertain.
Some are hoping the backlash will encourage Aldi to reconsider, but with just days left, it seems the Swanfield Place location is heading for closure.
For now, Llanelli’s shoppers will have to adapt and find new ways to get the affordable groceries they need, but it’s clear the closure of this beloved store has left a lasting impact on the community.
