CJ Lang U-turns on Scottish branch closures

CJ Lang will not be closing its Post Office (PO) branches in Spar stores in and around Dumfries in Scotland, as previously stated.

At the end of last month, the convenience chain operator revealed PO branches in Georgetown, Thornhill and Gretna will temporarily close. The news comes after it took the decision to remove the services from 18 of its shops in Scotland.

Post Office announces branch closures in Scotland

However, a PO spokesperson told Better Retailing, following discussions with Spar Scotland, “a decision to withdraw from operating 18 Post Office branches has been put on hold”.

The statement read: “The retail climate is extremely challenging, however, both SPAR Scotland and the Post Office are committed to working together to develop a commercially sustainable solution that maintains access to post office services for customers and businesses. 

“Post Offices play an important role in the local community and we are committed to working together to find a permanent solution for these 18 branches. Some Post Offices have recently closed or are closing imminently, however, there are nearby alternative Post Office branches whilst we continue to look for replacement solutions.”

In addition, PO also said it is looking to develop new branch formats due to changes happening on the high street and in the retail and convenience sectors more broadly.

“The Post Office is also developing new branch formats and we hope to trial some of these at Spar Scotland stores in the coming months to help us ensure that local communities can continue to access Post Office services,” they said.

A spokesperson for CJ Lang told Better Retailing: “With regards to the planned changes to the services offered at a number of SPAR stores across Scotland, we are working with Post Office Limited to discuss options that continue to provide facilities in the local areas affected.

“While these conversations take place, the Post Office counters in a number of outlets will stay open in the store to serve our customers. We remain committed to the communities we serve and keeping as many stores open as we can to continue to provide goods locally to our shoppers, especially during such challenging times.”

The branches that are no longer closing as planned, include Garthamlock, Luncarty, Thornhill, Kincorth; Menzieshill, Georgetown, Bonnyton, Gretna, Westwood Square, Eastriggs, Wemyss Bay, Conon Bridge, Ladybank, Lochwinnoch, Clifton Road, Woodburn, Forehill, Tom Morris Drive.

The following branches that have already closed, or are closing imminently, include Pittsburgh Road; Dundas; Tarbolton; Carleton; Charlotte Dundas Court; Wheatley Road; Midstocket (closes 23/2).