Locals have shared their frustration as two major supermarket chains are set to close their stores at the same time this summer.
Waitrose and M&S are temporarily closing its stores on St John’s Road in Clapham Junction from July until early September.
It comes as part of a series of upgrades, alongside other retailers in the area. In response, dozens of locals slammed the announcement and said both of the stores closing at once will cause "havoc".
READ MORE: Inside the IKEA and Decathlon partnership changing how south London shops
When will they close?
- M&S will close from July 11 until September 2
- Waitrose will close from July 18, with an official re-opening date not yet confirmed. However, according to Battersea Beat, the store is expected to re-open on September 17.
One reader told Your Local Guardian: “It’s concerning the fact that both Waitrose and Marks & Spencer in Clapham Junction are being closed at the same time for weeks on end for refurbishment and it’s utterly disgusting because there’s nowhere else to shop.
“It’s going to cause havoc and you’re going to end up with a load of shops shutting.”
Another person wrote on social media: “Why would they do this at the same time? Where are we supposed to shop?”
However, some commuters agreed that Waitrose needed improvement, while others questioned the need for M&S to undergo refurbishment so soon.
Ricky Hill, Regional Manager at M&S, said: “We are excited to transform our Clapham store this summer, offering even more delicious M&S products and delivering the trusted value and exceptional quality our customers expect.
“The store is one of six we’re renewing across the capital this financial year and we’ll share more on what customers can look forward to in the coming weeks.
“In the meantime, we are bringing the best of summer food and new product launches to Clapham customers, from our new viral Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme sandwich, made with British strawberries, to picnic picks and of course, our picky bits range ahead of National Picky Bits Day tomorrow.”
Waitrose said the refurbishment forms part of a nationwide investment plan and urged people to use nearby stores.
A spokesperson said: “Waitrose is committed to a nationwide investment plan, including an exciting refresh of our Clapham Junction store.
“During the refit, customers can continue to shop on Waitrose.com or visit our nearby shops in Wandsworth, Clapham Common and Balham.”
