Major convenience store chain with 2,600 UK shops closing branch this weekend

A major convenience store will be pulling down the shutters of one of its beloved branches this weekend in a blow to local shoppers. , which is situated on Allaway Avenue in Portsmouth, will be closing for good on Saturday, April 26 by 5pm.

The convenience store has slashed prices across its products by up to 50% in the lead up to the closure. The closure news was shared with locals through a post on .

The store wrote: "Due to unforeseen circumstances our Allaway Avenue store will sadly be closing on Saturday 26th April at 5pm. We are offering a 50% discount on most lines (some exclusions apply, see in-store for details)."

Shoppers were left gutted about the news by sharing their memories for the branch in the comments. One wrote: "End of an era. I remember it being the original . Sad really." Another said: "What a shame. Loved working here! All the staff are amazing people. Allaway Avenue won't be the same without the Spar." A third simply added: "Such a shame."

SPAR - which has more than 2,600 stores across the UK - has not confirmed the reason for the closure, although it has confirmed that it was "due to unforeseen circumstances." The retailer has also not confirmed what will happen to workers at the branch once it closes.

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The closure comes after SPAR's £100,000 Community Cashback campaign has returned for a fourth year. The scheme provides funding to voluntary organisations, charities, and community groups across the UK.

Last year, SPAR awarded more than 50 charities and local causes with grants of up to £10,000, following more than 10,000 entries. Applications for the scheme opened this week on April 24, and local shoppers can nominate a local charity or organisation for the funding. Running until June 4, the £100,000 fund will be distributed across the UK, with individual grants of up to £10,000 available.

Ian Taylor, retail and brand development director at Spar UK, said the initiative is about supporting communities where its stores are located.

He added: “We have seen first-hand the incredible impact these grants have on local organisations, and we are proud to continue giving back. Supporting local communities has always been part of Spar’s heritage, and we are committed to making a tangible difference where it matters most.”

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