Overview
- The Bedminster (North Street), Petersfield (Moggs Mead) and Blandford Forum (Salisbury Road) branches will close permanently on Tuesday 24 February, with Bedminster having traded for 15 years.
- Southern Co‑op said sustained market changes and operating cost increases prompted the decision as it seeks to strengthen its long‑term operating model.
- The retailer stressed the closures do not reflect staff performance and said it will work with affected colleagues to explore transfers to other roles.
- The society reported a 2025 operating loss of about £2.6 million, citing inflation‑driven cost rises, higher wage bills and retail crime, alongside pressure on convenience formats.
- The move follows a New Forest shutdown in January and a 2025 plan to dispose of 22 directly managed outlets as part of a continuing estate review.