THE Budgens store in Aberystwyth has closed with the loss of 23 jobs, and Cardigan’s store is preparing to close this week, despite administrators saying they would continue to trade all stores while a buyer is sought.

A closing-down sale was held at the store on the Ystwyth Retail Park in Aberystwyth last week before it shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.

The store closed after a week of frenzied shopping by bargain hunters attracted by clearance prices of up to 75 per cent off most items.

The Cardigan store was preparing to close its doors for the final time this week – leaving its 21 staff in search of new jobs.

One worker told the Cambrian News staff were uncertain as to when they would actually close as all stock had to be sold first.

What is being described as “a heavy blow” to the town by local councillors came after the operating company behind Budgens went into administration just seven months after taking over.

Hopes are being expressed that the supermarket site alongside the River Teifi might yet attract another retailer to the south side of the town.

Town mayor Cllr Clive Davies said he was pinning his hopes on another retailer moving in.

“Someone else may just take on the building and hopefully bring a good retailer to that area of Cardigan,” he told the Cambrian News.

“Or maybe we might see a good alternative use for that building.

“It occupies an ideal location along the river and next to one of the largest car parks the town has to offer.”

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