Booths Confirms Closing Date for Hale Barns Store
After nearly a decade in Hale Barns, Booths has officially announced the closure date for its store, marking the end of its presence in the village. The Preston-based retailer will close the doors of its 30,000 sq ft store on Sunday, April 7th.
The store, which opened in April 2015 as the anchor tenant of the Hale Barns Square development, had faced challenges in attracting the anticipated footfall. Despite its efforts, Booths struggled to meet the expected customer numbers over the years.
A Difficult Decision
A spokesperson for Booths expressed that the closure was not a reflection on the dedication of their Hale Barns team, emphasizing that these decisions are always challenging. The spokesperson added:
“Closing any Booths store is always a difficult decision and is not a reflection of the dedication of our team at Hale Barns and the wider business. We would like to thank our loyal customers and colleagues and look forward to welcoming them at Knutsford Booths.”
Booths reassured the public that no further closures of other stores planned.
Transition to Asda
Staff at the Hale Road store currently involved in a consultation process regarding the transfer of the property lease to Asda, the budget supermarket chain. After Booths vacates, the store will undergo a refit and reopen as an Asda location on Monday, April 29th.
Importantly, all current jobs will protected under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) process, meaning employees will transition to Asda.
Asda’s Expansion in Altrincham
With the acquisition of Booths’ Hale Barns site, this will become Asda’s second major store in Altrincham. Their first store opened in Broadheath in September 2015.
An Asda spokesperson commented on the expansion:
“Asda is delighted to announce we have acquired the property lease for Booths’ Hale Barns store. The colleagues currently employed by Booths will transfer to Asda under the TUPE process, and we look forward to welcoming them to our team. We are excited to bring great Asda value to the local community.”
The transformation of the store has set to bring new life to Hale Barns, while ensuring job continuity for Booths employees, and offering Asda’s competitive pricing to local residents.
