Supermarket with 346 UK stores closes branch for good – all jobs lost

A budget food store has shut the doors of one of its branches for good, with all jobs lost. Farmfoods in Largs, Scotland, shut on January 11 with huge half-price sales. 

The Scottish family-owned chain announced the branch’s closure in November 2025, sparking concern among locals. Residents launched an online petition to keep the store open and a fundraiser for staff set to lose their jobs. Locals managed to raise £500 for each Farmfoods staff member, saying it was just “small thing” to do for them to “make life a little easier”. The store’s final day was marked with a half-price sale, crowds, upset customers, and cake for staff. Fundraiser organiser Suzy Willis told the Sun: “Although some staff have been offered positions in other branches, not everyone is able to take them. 

“For two members of staff – who come from the same household – the closure means the loss of both full-time incomes at once. The financial pressure this brings is unimaginable, especially at this time of year.”

A local teacher said the supermarket’s loss will be “devastating”. Cathy MacGregor said: “Our elderly and most vulnerable residents rely solely on Farmfoods for their weekly shopping and those who face enormous financial challenges are dependent on the store.

“You have a vast number of customers who will struggle to access or afford travel to an alternative store.”

Councillor Jamie Black told the Herald: “It is really disappointing for the wider community. We pleaded the case why it was important and it will leave a gap site now.

“Of course, it is great that Marks and Spencer are opening but they are at the other end of the spectrum, and this will lead to another vacant unit in the Brisbane Quarter of town, which we want to keep as vibrant with as many shops occupied as possible.”

Farmfoods is a frozen food and grocery supermarket chain with 346 stores across the UK. This closure comes as it was announced that the store in Eccles, Staffordshire, will be closing on February 2.