Asda has confirmed that its Hale Barns superstore in Greater Manchester will permanently close on Friday, July 31, with rival Waitrose set to take over the site later this year. The 11,000 sq ft store on Hale Road, near Altrincham, opened just two years ago but will shut after Asda announced plans to close the branch in May.
Staff to Transfer to Waitrose
Rather than losing their jobs, employees at the Hale Barns branch will transfer to Waitrose, becoming Waitrose Partners. Waitrose has also said it will create additional roles and provide training before the new supermarket opens. An exact opening date has yet to be announced, but it is expected to open in the autumn.
Asda's Statement
An Asda spokesperson said: “Like all major supermarkets, we regularly review our store estate to ensure it continues to meet customer needs and remains commercially sustainable. We’d like to thank our colleagues and the local community at our Hale Barns store and reassure customers they can continue to access Asda’s great value and products at our nearby Altrincham and Wythenshawe superstores, or online.”
Waitrose's Plans
David Donovan, Waitrose regional manager, previously said the new branch was an important addition to the supermarket's network. He said: “Opening in Hale Barns is an exciting opportunity for Waitrose and we’ll offer the very best products and customer service for food lovers in the area. As part of this, we’re building a brilliant team and we look forward to welcoming them and our customers in the coming months. We’ll be sharing more details on our plans soon.”
Alun Jones, Waitrose's head of physical estate, said expanding in the north remained a key priority for the retailer. He said: “Growing our presence in the north is important to us and the Hale Barns store is a significant next step in our plan. Alongside our stores in Altrincham and Wilmslow, Hale Barns is a great fit for our brand.”
Impact on Customers
The closure comes as supermarkets continue to review their estates, with retailers reshaping their store portfolios in response to changing shopping habits and local demand. Customers who previously used the Hale Barns branch will instead be directed to Asda's nearby Altrincham and Wythenshawe superstores or can continue shopping through the retailer's online grocery service.
