The pharmacies – all located in Suffolk – “are challenged by significant operating costs and governance”, a spokesperson for the group told C+D today (May 14).

The six branches have “struggled to make a sustained, positive contribution, despite significant investment”, they added.

“As a result of this, we have placed them on the market for sale.”

The East of England Co-op – which is “owned by over 275,000 members” and provides “stores and services…across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire” – runs three pharmacies in Ipswich, one in Felixstowe, one in Stowmarket and one in Saxmundham, according to the group’s website.

The pharmacies are “open and trading as normal”, the spokesperson told C+D.

“Protecting” pharmacy staff

The decision to sell its pharmacies is “no reflection on the hard work of our colleagues”, the East of England Co-op stressed.

It will aim to transfer the business as a “going concern and protect the positions of our colleagues” who “provide great service to members and customers”, it added.

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