SimplyFresh Holywood shuts after just two months

The first Northern Irish franchise of ‘upmarket’ grocery group SimplyFresh has closed, just two months after opening.

SimplyFresh launched its first local store in Holywood Co Down in December 2016.

It focused on organic, local, and artisanal products with an emphasis on food-to-go. The franchise was owned by local retailer Malcolm Hall who has in the past won prestigious UK retailing awards.

Speaking to Neighbourhood Retailer, a spokesperson for the SimplyFresh group said the brand was not responsible for the day-to-day running of the stores, and expressed regret at the store’s closure.

“It is with great regret that the Holywood store had to close its doors,” the spokesperson said. “All Simply Fresh stores are run by independent retailers under a licence. A full review of the local area and its potential for a new store was undertaken prior to its development.”

The spokesperson said sales since the store opened had been lower than anticipated and that the store owner had “reluctantly taken the decision to close the store, with immediate effect”.

“We are very disappointed with this outcome,” they said.

The company added it was, however, open to offering the opportunity to another local entrepreneur to take over the store “with the right finances”.

The spokesperson said: “This is something that we would consider, as we feel the site has much potential. Simply Fresh remains committed to growing the brand and supporting independent retailers across Northern Ireland.”

SimplyFresh was founded in Birmingham in 2009 by brothers Sukhjit and Kash Khera.

In 2014, Costcutter took on a 20% stake in the group, which has grown to almost 23 stores throughout the UK.