Two major retailers are closing their shops in Altrincham town centre. Supermarket chain Co-op and luxury retailer Flannels, both located in the Stamford Quarter, are set to close in October 2026.
Co-op's 'On the Go' store
Co-op's 'On the Go' micro store concept on George Street opened in September 2025. It was the first of its kind in the North West and only the second in the country.
A spokesperson for Co-op said: "After careful consideration a decision has been taken for our small food to go store located in the Stamford Quarter to close. Colleagues have been informed and are being fully supported."
"Co-op is committed to serving the Trafford area, with our main stores located nearby in Bowden, Timperley and Sale."
The concept focused on food-on-the-go, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After 7pm, the store switched to online trading only, with food delivered via Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.
Co-op said the micro store concept came from 'cues from around the world to meet consumer demand for fast, high-quality food-for-now, catering to meals on-the-go throughout the day'. Its first 'on-the-go' store launched in Solihull in July 2025.
Flannels' decade in Altrincham
Flannels opened in late 2017 under a ten-year lease on a three-store unit. The chain, founded in Knutsford in 1976, saw its final stake sold to Mike Ashley's Fraser Group in 2017. The store created 17 jobs and occupied the space previously used by New Look and C&A.
A spokesperson from Bruntwood and Trafford Council said: "We can confirm that Co-op and Flannels will be closing in October 2026. Plans for the future of the spaces will be shared in due course."
Impact on the Stamford Quarter
The closures come as a blow after years of development in the town. A joint venture between Trafford Council and property developer Bruntwood has transformed the high street into a mixed-use destination with workspaces, retail, leisure, and public realm improvements.
Recent regeneration includes Foundation, a collaborative workspace with a 375 sq m living biophilic wall. The area is home to brands like Rituals, Crew Clothing, LOOKFANTASTIC, Nell’s pizza, and Yum Cha.
