A popular convenience store in MediaCity has closed its doors, citing an 'unprecedented increase in costs'. Local residents were surprised to see the MediaCityUK General Store was closed at the weekend and remained shut at the start of this week. A sign on the front of the building suggests ownership has been taken over by the store’s landlords.
A sign on the door states: “This store is now closed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." In a statement, owner Mital Morar, founder of Store Group, told the Manchester Evening News: "Sadly we have had to close down Mediacity General Store. Our wonderful team have done their best to manage a challenging time.
"Opening in Covid was far from ideal and now we have faced into Increased competition, lower footfall and of course, unprecedented increases in costs, namely electric, have made the site unviable for us financially.
"We have really enjoyed our time in Mediacity - a heartfelt Thank You to all colleagues, customers and asset managers for their support whilst we have been there. Our focus now is to look after our colleagues and ensure they have all they need."
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The 3,500 sq ft two-storey branch first opened in 2021, following success at the flagship General Stores in Ancoats. There are currently also branches in Deansgate Square and Moss Side.
Store Group is also behind Stretford Food Hall and Sale Foodhall, which closed down in March this year.
Signs on the front of the MediaCityUK General Store indicated the landlord of the site had hired enforcement specialists to take over the property. The sign states: “Take notice that the landlord and/or bailiff has today reentered (16.06.23) in accordance with the Landlord’s power under the Lease or Licence.
“As a consequence of the re-entry, the Lease is forfeited and the premises have been secured.”
Residents who passed the store this week saw the premises still contained stock inside, while a third sign indicated that goods were now under the possession of bailiffs.
One resident said: “They still operated yesterday. how fast things change.” Another said: “Ah that is a shame but just so hard to compete round there. Their (sic) beer selection upstairs was incredible.”
Another said: “It seemed like they’ve been thinning the shop down over the last few months but surprised to see it actually go!”
In October last year, Store Group said it intended to keep all of its stores open despite companies that operated six of them entering liquidation. Founder and chief executive Morar said at the time that the company would be implementing a 'major restructure' after 'exceptionally difficult trading conditions'.
Both Store Group and MediaCityUK have been approached by the M.E.N for more information.
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