A long-standing Co-op supermarket in Somerset has closed its doors after serving the local community for more than four decades, despite the retailer recently unveiling plans to expand its operations across the UK.
The store, located on The Avenue in Minehead, welcomed its final customers on 13 June, bringing an end to 42 years of trading at the site. The branch first opened in 1984 and was situated on the town’s former bus station site.
The closure comes just weeks after Co-op announced ambitions to grow both its retail and funeral services businesses during 2026.
Explaining the decision, a Co-op spokesperson said: “Co-op remains committed to serving the Minehead community through our Alcombe Road store, however we have made the difficult decision to close our store on The Avenue, following the refusal of a planning application to redevelop the site to include a purpose-built and sustainable new Co-op store.”
The spokesperson added: “Our priority is to fully support The Avenue store colleagues, and we would like to thank the community for its continued support for the Co-op in the town.”
The closure has also resulted in the loss of Minehead’s last remaining Post Office, which ceased operations four days before the supermarket shut.
Plans had been proposed to relocate the Post Office to Summerland Avenue, but the application was ultimately rejected, leaving residents without a local branch.
Customers must now travel to Dunster, around three miles away, to access Post Office services.
The loss of both facilities has sparked concern among local residents, many of whom described the situation as “devastating”.
A Post Office spokesperson said efforts are underway to restore services to the town as quickly as possible.
“We are working hard to restore service to the community as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum.”
While Co-op continues to operate its nearby Alcombe Road branch, the closure marks the end of an era for many Minehead residents who relied on the town-centre store for more than four decades.