Iceland U-turn on future of its shop in Hereford

Despite indicating that it had no plans to quit Eign Street, it has now confirmed that its branch there will close.

The decision comes after the opening of the company's the Food Warehouse outlet on the Salmon Retail Park in the city's Holmer Road.

Founded in 2014, the Food Warehouse was created to be Iceland's so-called 'big brother' – a large bulk-buying destination for shoppers.

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It is a 'concept store' and is a relatively new brand with about 130 shops nationwide and plans to open more. Iceland has more than 800 shops in comparison.

The Food Warehouse welcomes shoppers to its new shop in Holmer Road, Hereford, in March this year. Picture: Richard Weaver/Iceland

Documents that were submitted with the planning application for the Food Warehouse in Holmer Road said Iceland had "no intention" of closing its existing shop in Eign Street.

The company said having both brands had been successful in other cities such as Gloucester.

The Hereford Times is seeking comment from Iceland on this apparent U-turn.

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In a post on its Facebook page yesterday (Saturday, August 13), a spokesman for the shop in Eign Gate said: "After so many years of trading, we can now confirm that the company have decided to close the shop.

"Our last day of trading will be [Saturday] September 10.

"All online shopping will go to The Food Warehouse [on the Salmon Retail Park, Holmer Road, Hereford] once we have closed.

"We would like to thank all of our customers who have either shopped in-store or ordered online shopping over the years.

"Thank you from all of the management team and the staff."