The supermarket closed on January 11 with a community fundraiser raising £500 for each staff member losing their jobs, with the closure happening at short notice
A budget food store has permanently closed one of its branches, resulting in all jobs being lost. Farmfoods in Largs, Scotland, shut its doors on January 11 with massive half-price sales.
The Scottish family-owned retailer announced the branch’s closure in November 2025, causing alarm amongst local residents. Locals launched an online petition to keep the shop open and organised a fundraiser for workers facing redundancy.
Community members managed to collect £500 for each Farmfoods employee, describing it as just a “small thing” to do for them to “make life a little easier”, reports the Express.
The store’s final day was characterised by a half-price sale, large crowds, distressed 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 described the supermarket’s closure as “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 expressed his disappointment to the Herald, stating: “It is really disappointing for the wider community. We pleaded the case why it was important and it will leave a gap site now.”
He added: “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, a frozen food and grocery supermarket chain boasting 346 stores across the UK, is facing this closure just as it was announced that their Eccles, Staffordshire, branch will be shutting its doors on February 2.
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