SHOPPERS are devasted after a popular discount supermarket chain with 960 stores confirmed it's closing their "marvellous" branch for good. Lidl has announced that its store in Barnstaple will close for the final time in June. The Barnstaple branch has served locals in the area for almost 25 years.
Residents have also been shopping at two other branches in the town where staff will be redeployed where possible, according to Lidl. A spokesperson for the German -owned retailer said: "We can confirm that the lease of our store on Station Rd is coming to an end, and it has been proposed that the store, which first opened its doors almost a quarter of a century ago, will close at the end of June. "However, residents can be assured that they will still be able to access our great value products at our newer, much larger Gratton Way store and also our store on Old Station Road, both of which are close by.
" The locals will miss the store greatly after one shopper called it a "good place to shop". "It is really well stocked with great products," said another. A third added: "Staff is absolutely marvellous.
" Lidl first closed and relocated a few shops in the spring of 2023. A few closures were due to the poor condition of the buildings and bosses deeming them unfit for purpose, while others came after opening replacement stores elsewhere. Any workers affected by the changes were offered roles at alternative locations.
The 2023 closures are as follows: Meanwhile, Lidl plans to close fur.