Popular grocery store announces closure blaming ‘perfect storm’ as shoppers mourn loss

A POPULAR food store is set to shut in days while blaming a “perfect storm” for its ill fate.

Fans have been left heartbroken as they mourn the loss of their local staple shop.

Swynford Stores in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, announced it will permanently close.

The shop, opposite the RAF Alconbury base, will sadly shut its doors for the last time on Friday 28 March.

Swynford Stores blamed “crippling financial pressures” for the shock decision to close.

The grocery store explained that several recent changes in the area have led to the difficult decision, in a Facebook post.

It said: “The opening of the Co-Op, prices of stock skyrocketing, margins being squeezed by Wholesalers (owned by Tesco).

“All with less money coming in. It has been something of a perfect storm.

“We have done everything we can to try & renegotiate & fight our corner. We have worked tirelessly for the last year to make it work.

“But with future increases in all areas on the horizon unfortunately there is just no way of covering the costs.”

The beloved store opened in July 2017 and has been a cornerstone in the community ever since.

It was crucial in the community during Covid and the staff thanked their customers for becoming their friends over the years.

Heartbroken fans mourned the loss of their favourite store and thanked the owners and staff in the comments of the post.

One person said: “We will miss you!!

“We have so appreciated having you here and it genuinely won't be the same without you!!”

Another fan wrote: “So sorry you’ve had to make this difficult decision but completely understand.#

“We will never forget how you supported us during the pandemic, something the ‘big boys’ couldn’t match!

“We wish you and the family the very best for the future. Thank you for your tireless efforts to keep going xx”

Swynford Stores has not been the only independent shop to close down recently.

MBAS Clothing, based in Arnold,Notts, will be shut at the end of April, despite huge efforts to stay afloat.

A spokesperson for the store said: “At the end of April, we will close our retail outlet in Arnold. Despite huge efforts to entice the good people of Arnold and surrounding areas into the shop, we have not succeeded.

“Our footfall is as much as 70% down on previous years, and we have to face facts that the shop is not what people want.”