Shops from a famous British brewery are closing down this month amid “wider operational challenges”. Five Adnams stores are set to shut down at the end of May in a blow to local shoppers.
Nick Attfield, Adnams’ director of hospitality and retail, said the Suffolk-based brewery had taken the “difficult decision” to close the outlets following a review of its retail estate. He said: “This comes in the light of a period of sustained cost pressures, wider operational challenges and changes in customer shopping habits, which have affected the long-term viability of these locations.
“We recognise this will be upsetting news for colleagues and customers, and our immediate priority is to support those employees affected through a full consultation process.”
“We are hugely grateful for the dedication and professionalism shown by our store teams, who have represented Adnams with pride and commitment.,” he added.
The stores set to close down are in Hadleigh in Suffolk, Norwich in Norfolk, Frinton-on-Sea and Saffron Walden in Essex and Stamford in Lincolnshire.
Despite the pending closures, Mr Attfield said Adnams is committed to having a retail presence and is exploring opportunities to open in locations that better match customer demand.
Adnams was founded in 1872 in the seaside town of Southwold where it remains to this day.
The award-winning brewery is best-known for its beers but also produces spirits.
Its products include the Ghost Ship Pale Ale and Southwold Bitter.
As well as shops, the brewery also runs hotels, pubs and inns.
Last year, Adnams chief executive Jenny Hanlon said the brewery was adopting a “grittier” approach to drive down debts.
She said it had a “razor-sharp focus” to increase profitability following a period of lessons.
