Sainsbury’s has announced that it is set to close two Argos distribution sites in the UK within the next three years.
The supermarket retailer is set to shut both its depot in the Heywood area of Greater Manchester, and its warehouse in Basildon in Essex, by 2026 – with more than 1,400 jobs believed to be at risk due to these closures.
On top of this, the retailer’s three remaining Habitat showrooms will also close later this year, as Sainsbury’s makes plans to launch a replacement digital showroom.
The group’s office in Milton Keynes is also to close as a response to the rise of flexible working.
Both Sainsbury’s workers, and those who work for Wincanton as part of an outsourced contract, may see their roles cut over the next three years due to distribution site closures, but only a small number of Habitat workers should expect to be affected, and no jobs at the corporate office HQ are at risk, the retailer has confirmed.
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Sainsbury’s says the closures are all part of its plan to “create a simpler business”.
Sainsbury’s to close huge Argos depot in Greater Manchester / Credit: Sainsbury’s
“We previously set out our intention to integrate our Argos and Sainsbury’s logistics networks,” explained Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts, “and over the last few years, we’ve been working hard to transform this network as we make our business simpler, more efficient and more effective for customers.
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“This also allows us to reduce costs, so we can invest where it will make the most impact for our customers.”
He added that the company understands this will be “an unsettling time for affected colleagues”, and assured that “we will support them however we can throughout this process,” – with workers impacted by the decision now able to “explore alternative roles” within the group.
The retailer’s announcement of the site closures has not been received well by industry figures, with officials at trade union Unite saying there’s “no economic justification” for it.
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Unite has said there is no “economic justification” for the announcement today (Tuesday 28 February) that Argos/Sainsbury’s plans to close two warehouses with the loss of over 750 jobs.
“Management has yet to provide any form of business case for the loss of these jobs,” said Unite national officer, Matt Draper.
“This is an incredibly wealthy company which should be investing in its loyal workforce rather than dumping workers in pursuit of short-term profits, and if Sainsbury’s doesn’t drop its closure plans, then Unite will pursue all avenues to preserve employment at these sites.”
He added that the union will “put forward an alternative business case to the company” to keep its members in their jobs.
Featured Image – Sainsbury’s
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st March 2023 
