A Russian discount store dubbed the 'Russian Lidl' is closing its UK store in Preston following the invasion of Ukraine. The supermarket chain has also paused its expansion plans for more stores. Svetofor, which operates under the name Mere in Europe, opened its first UK store last August and had plans to open three more in Castleford, West Yorkshire, Caldicot, Wales and Mold, also in Wales.
The retailer is believed to have thanked its supplier for their co-operation, but due to the current "political situation" it has made it difficult for them to continue doing business in the UK, let alone expand. Mere's long-term ambitions were to open around 300 branches within a decade.
Preston staff were given the news that the store would be closing in two weeks, reports Lancashire Live.
