Quick Read
- Heron Foods closed its Scunthorpe store permanently on September 27.
- The company cited difficult market conditions and thanked loyal customers.
- Scunthorpe’s high street has faced closures and economic challenges in recent years.
- Heron Foods is opening a new store in Byker, Newcastle, and refurbishing Fulwell in Sunderland.
- Heron Foods was acquired by B&M in 2017 for £152 million.
Heron Foods Closes Scunthorpe Store, Stirring Local Sentiment
On September 27, the doors of Heron Foods in Scunthorpe’s Parishes Shopping Centre swung shut for the final time. For many in the local community, the closure of this supermarket chain’s branch was more than just the loss of another retail outlet—it was the end of a familiar routine, a place woven into the fabric of daily life.
Heron Foods, known for its affordable frozen food and household staples, announced the store’s closure just under two weeks prior. The message, delivered via the company’s community Facebook page, was direct but tinged with gratitude: “Dear valued customers. We want to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to our Heron Foods store in Scunthorpe. It’s been a pleasure serving the local community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve built over the years.”
The company assured shoppers that the decision had not been made lightly. Special offers and clearance sales were rolled out in the final days—a last gesture for loyal patrons. Yet, the mood on Scunthorpe’s high street was unmistakably somber. Locals expressed their disappointment and frustration: “Not good for the town yet again another good shop to close,” one shopper lamented. Another shared, “Best shop in town for bargains and they’re closing down. Come let’s save Herons.”
High Street in Transition: Local Impacts and Broader Trends
The closure of Heron Foods’ Scunthorpe branch is not an isolated incident. It sits within a broader context of high street decline in towns across the UK—a trend accelerated by changing shopping habits, economic pressures, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. The past year has been particularly turbulent for Scunthorpe. Earlier in 2025, the town’s major steel works faced the threat of closure, only to be saved at the eleventh hour by government intervention, safeguarding 2,700 jobs. Yet, for many residents, the feeling persists that the high street is “going downhill,” with cherished stores shuttering and familiar faces disappearing.
Heron Foods, which started life as a modest butcher shop in Hull in 1978, has become a household name. Its reputation for value and convenience helped it expand to 343 locations across the UK. In 2017, B&M acquired Heron Foods for a reported £152 million, strengthening its presence in the competitive supermarket sector (Express). The closure in Scunthorpe, however, is a reminder that even established brands are not immune to shifting market forces.
Community Reactions: A Mix of Disappointment and Resilience
For the staff at the Scunthorpe store, the news was particularly hard. Customers praised the team for their helpfulness and friendly service: “It’s an absolute shame for the wonderfully helpful staff,” one regular said. Another reflected, “Shame it’s shutting down. Always go in there every week.” The store had become a cornerstone for many, offering not just bargains but a sense of connection—a place where staff and shoppers exchanged greetings and stories.
The closure announcement was met with an outpouring of support and nostalgia on social media. Some called for efforts to “save Herons,” while others resigned themselves to the reality of another empty shopfront. The company’s farewell message struck a note of hope, encouraging customers to visit nearby branches and assuring them that Heron Foods remains committed to serving the UK community. “Thank you again for being part of our journey in Scunthorpe. We’ll miss you!”
Looking Forward: Expansion Elsewhere, Uncertain Times for High Streets
Despite the setback in Scunthorpe, Heron Foods is not retreating from the market. The chain is set to open a new location in Byker, Newcastle, on October 16. Additionally, investment is being poured into refurbishing the Fulwell shop in Sunderland, which is scheduled to reopen at the start of October. This dual strategy—closing some stores while expanding and upgrading others—reflects the delicate balancing act facing retailers today.
For Scunthorpe, the loss of Heron Foods is another reminder of the challenges confronting local commerce. The high street, once the beating heart of towns across Britain, is undergoing a transformation. As shoppers migrate online and large chains reassess their footprints, smaller communities often bear the brunt of these changes. Yet, moments of closure can also spark resilience, prompting local leaders and residents to reimagine their town centers and seek new opportunities for revitalization.
In the end, the story of Heron Foods in Scunthorpe is about more than just frozen food and clearance sales. It is a snapshot of a community in flux—grappling with loss, searching for hope, and navigating the uncertain future of the high street. As the shop shutters for good, the echoes of customers’ voices linger, a testament to the role that even the humblest stores play in our shared lives.
The closure of Heron Foods’ Scunthorpe store is emblematic of the broader challenges facing UK high streets. While the chain itself continues to adapt and invest elsewhere, local communities are left to reckon with the social and economic impacts of losing familiar retail anchors. Whether these changes will ultimately lead to renewal or further decline remains an open question—one that will be answered in the months and years ahead by the collective actions of businesses, policymakers, and residents.