Honiton Co-op Store to Close Next Month

The store, located on Lace Walk in Honiton, will close its doors for the final time on March 15, leaving staff without jobs.

On February 8, Co-op members set up a stand outside the store, inviting customers to sign cards of appreciation for the employees.

Many folks paused to offer their thoughts and memories.

Geoff was talking about: "How kind, thoughtful, and helpful the staff are."

Another person remarked, "Thank you for your happy, smiley faces."

Micky, who formerly worked at the Co-op, stated: "I used to work at the Co-op, and in fact, I met my partner Mark there."

John Crew, a devoted Co-op shopper, stated: "I have always made a point of shopping at Co-ops wherever I have lived in the South of England because it is part of my culture; I believe in the Co-op."

"Now I can't drive, and I won't be able to get to a Co-op store anymore".

Following the occasion, two cakes created by Fowlers Eggs were provided for the staff to share.

Ro Gilbert, who arranged the event, said: "It demonstrated the intensity of sentiment in the town that the Co-op store is deeply loved and would be greatly missed.

"People were delighted to be given the opportunity to express gratitude to the workers.

"And the staff, too, have said how glad they are to have been given a visible sign of how appreciated they are."

The cards have been copied and forwarded to the Co-op in the hopes that decision-makers will consider local sentiment when deciding on store closures.

Saturday, March 15, will be the store's final day of operation.