The closures follow the company’s 2025 plan to sell 22 of its directly managed convenience stores, a move COO for Retail Simon Eastwood described as part of an effort to “continue to evolve and develop. The retailer has sustained a difficult 12 months, reporting losses of £2.6 million.

A spokesperson for Southern Co-op told The Sun: “As a result of sustained market changes and operating cost increases, we have taken the decision to sell three of our food convenience stores.

“This decision forms part of our wider efforts to optimise our store portfolio and strengthen our long-term operating model given external challenges and competition. It in no way reflects the dedication or performance of colleagues.”

Southern Co-op will now “work closely” with the employees of the shops that are set for closure. They added they will “explore opportunities to transfer to other Southern Co-op stores/roles wherever possible”.

The spokesperson continued: “While this may not be feasible for everyone, we are committed to supporting all impacted colleagues throughout this process. We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and apologise for any disappointment caused as a result of the decision to close these stores.”

The most recent closures follow the shutdown of the Co‑op store in the New Forest earlier in January. Southern Co‑op reported an operating loss of £2.6 million in 2025, attributing the downturn to rising costs, inflation, and increasing levels of retail crime.