Central Co-op to sell Dudley store and Sedgley funeral home

Central Co-op store in Overfield Road, in the Russells Hall area of Dudley, and Central Co-op Funeral in Sedgley High Street are among assets deemed “financially unsustainable” following a review – Central Co-op confirmed today (Monday November 18).

The are among 19 food stores and six funeral homes across the country that are set to be sold to Samy Ltd and B&M Retail Ltd.

Central Co-op store in Overfield Road, Dudley (Image: Google Street View)

The Dudley Central Co-op store is among outlets bought by Samy Ltd and it’s understood that staff at the affected funeral firm in Sedgley will be relocated to neighbouring Central Co-op Funeral homes – the nearest of which is at Hurst Hill, Coseley.

A spokesperson for Central Co-op said: “We can confirm that after careful consideration, Central Co-op has decided to sell 19 of its food stores and close six funeral homes which have been financially unsustainable for some time, including Overfield Road in Dudley.

“In our mission to create a sustainable Society for all, we constantly review our trading estate to identify areas that no longer provide profitability or an essential purpose within the communities they serve.

“We will see the 19 selected Central Co-op stores transferred to their new owners, Samy Ltd and B&M Retail Ltd over the next two to six months, while the six affected funeral homes will be closed by early February, factoring in lease dates and ensuring all planned funerals go ahead with care and attention.

Central Co-op Funeral - Sedgley (Image: Google Street View)

“Our first priority is to offer our support to all colleagues impacted by the changes proposed over the coming weeks.

“We are confident that affected retail colleagues will transfer to new roles through consultation with the new owners, Samy Ltd and B&M Retail Ltd, and we’re pleased that all our colleagues from the affected funeral homes will relocate to neighbouring Central Co-op funeral homes.”

The Society said it has invested more than £40m into its food and funeral business and by the end of the year it will have opened five new stores, regenerated 35 stores and refurbished 16 funeral homes to bring a “modern, fresh look and an improved customer experience across the business”.

A spokesperson added: “Central Co-op has also continued to invest in reward for its colleagues and Member pricing, as well as heavily investing in green energy self-sufficiency, colleague safety, and our young members.”

Following the closure of the Central Co-op store in Overfield Road, Dudley, the nearest Co-op store for residents in the area will be at Dibdale Road West, Dudley.