![\"Unrecognizable](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/unrecognizable-supermarket-aisle-as-background-6882995.jpg\" "\\"Unrecognizable")
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A UK supermarket chain could close stores (file pic) (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
A UK supermarket<\/a> chain could close as many as 300 stores, as the business is at risk of collapse. Now the crisis-hit retailer is racing against time to secure a rescue merger, as fears mount it could go bust.<\/p>\n Southern Co-op has warned members it faces collapse into administration after three consecutive years of financial losses. The regional chain, which operates more than 300 food stores, funeral homes and coffee shops across southern England, says merging with Co-op Group<\/a> represents its only chance of survival. Thousands of retail workers now face an uncertain future as the company hangs on the edge of collapse. Company chiefs wrote to members on April 22, laying bare the scale of the crisis. Members will vote on the proposed merger at crunch meetings on May 6 and May 21 \u2013 a decision that will ultimately decide whether the business survives.<\/p>\n A Southern Co-op ‘Welcome’ store in London (Image: Google)<\/p>\n Read more: Iconic UK company plunges into administration – in business since 1809 <\/a><\/p>\n Read more: UK giant TV manufacturer collapses into administration \u2013 in business since 2010 <\/a><\/p>\n Chief executive Ben Stimson and chair Janet Paraskeva issued the stark warning to give members the \u201cfull picture\u201d of the firm\u2019s rapidly worsening finances.<\/p>\n The company expects operating losses to top \u00a320million in the coming financial year.<\/p>\n Attempts to slash costs \u2013 including a recruitment freeze and downsizing office space \u2013 have failed to halt the decline.<\/p>\n Banks and suppliers have kept the company afloat as conditions worsened over the past year, but bosses admitted \u201cthat support cannot now be increased within the time available.\u201d<\/p>\n No alternative funding lifeline has emerged to keep Southern Co-op going as an independent business.<\/p>\n A cyberattack last year also piled further pressure onto the struggling operation.<\/p>\n Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Southern](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CO-OP-6883074.jpg\" "\\"Southern")
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