The Asda supermarket on Peckham’s Rye Lane will permanently close on Sunday 1 May.
The store has been there for over a decade, after it replaced Netto UK, a supermarket chain that Asda bought for £778 million in 2010.
An Asda spokesperson said: “A lease extension was negotiated with the landlord, however, this is coming to an end and due to a proposed increase in rent, it would be unsustainable to keep the store open.
“Sadly, this has led to the difficult decision to close.”
Isaac Walker, deputy store manager said morale remained high because all staff members were being relocated to other Asda branches, such as Old Kent Road and Lewisham.
However, he added: “We’ve got one or two staff members who are really sad because they’ve been here since it was Netto.
“They say it’s like losing a family.”
Last Tuesday (26 April 2022), a Twitter user shared a photo showing the shelves bare. It is unclear whether this was related to the closure.
People have been reacting with dismay on social media, saying they’ll miss the friendly staff and reliably stocked shelves.
Twitter user JCainTait wrote: “Shocked and saddened to hear about the imminent closure of Asda Rye Lane.
“No exaggeration to say that it’s my favourite supermarket ever. Great stock, cheap and the staff have always been so friendly and welcoming to my 2-year-old son, since he was a tiny baby.”
Stuart Bennett wrote: “Worrying rumours being spread around that Rye Lane Asda may be shutting down. Say it ain’t so.”
Shoppers can still visit Morrisons, Lidl, Tesco and Iceland, all a stone’s throw away but, for some, that’s not enough.
Hillary Juma wrote on Twitter: “Sadly it’s official Asda on Rye Lane is closing on 1 May. Nearest store is Old Kent Road” with crying emojis.
