Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Tesco Express has confirmed the permanent closure of its Chadwell Heath store on Havering’s high road.
Tesco has termed the closure as a difficult decision, aligning with the broader wave of retail shutdowns impacting businesses across the UK.
Although the closing date was announced back in December, 2024, it has now been finalized.
The store stated that it will “continue to serve the local area” through neighbouring stores, although it did not provide an explanation for the shutdown.
A spokesperson for Tesco said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Chadwell Heath Express later this month.
“We continue to serve the local area through a number of nearby stores.”
They added “colleagues will continue to be consulted about this change, and will have the option to transfer to nearby stores.”
“The nearest Tesco stores are Goodmayes Rowallan Express, in Rowallen Parade, and Goodmayes Extra, in High Road, – both around a mile away.”
What is the impact of Tesco Express’s closure on the local community?
Tesco Express outlets frequently serve as essential community hubs, giving locals easy access to shopping options.
Locals who depend on the store for easy access to groceries and household necessities are impacted by the shutdown.
The closure brought about disappointment among many locals.
Posting on a local Facebook group one said: “It is now official, a notice in the window of the Tesco Express in the High Road states that it will be closing at the end of January.
“The site was previously occupied by the F W Woolworth store. Known as Woolworths store number 912, this was the nine-hundred and twelfth branch of Woolworths to open in the British Isles, in 1955. This store closed in January 2009.”
One person commented: “Shame. I suppose there’s too many shoplifters and wronguns knocking about.”
While another said: “Chadwell Heath high road is going to look even worse now!
“Only decent store left is Sainsbury’s, the rest of the street is a total dump.”
A third posted: “Sad as nice staff, I don’t do big tescos, too impersonal.”
While a fourth wrote: “Just heard from security in Tesco Express Chadwell Heath is closing in January?
“Rent has doubled a handy supermarket for all gone! So not Chadwell Heath anymore, it’s unbelievable!”
Why Is Tesco Closing Stores Across the UK?
In subsequent years, more Tesco stores have also closed.
In August of last year, Tesco closed its Chippenham location.
It was announced that it would be closing in January 2024.
A wave of disappointment among consumers when it closed, reflecting broader concerns over retail accessibility and community impact.
Tesco said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Chippenham Superstore.
“We have, however, secured a new smaller premises in Chippenham town centre which we will open as Tesco Chippenham High Street Express, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers at our local stores.”
One local resident wrote on social media at the time: “Huge loss to Chippenham. Appalling that it has got to the point where we will have no supermarket in the town centre.
“Many elderly and vulnerable people who live near the town centre (and don’t have transport) have relied on it for years.
“It is an excellent store. What we will be left with is a puny Tesco Express, with few lines and increased cost.”
Another said: “Just another nail in the coffin that was Chippenham town centre.
“People won’t be doing a weekly shop in a Tesco Express with those prices.”
Tesco confirmed that on September 6, their Express shop, which opened in March, would be closing permanently.
Tesco has reassured customers that these closures are not a part of a larger trend in spite of the criticism.
These specific closures are independent decisions, and the firm still runs more than 2,000 stores around the UK.