Argos in Midsomer Norton High Street has become another big name which could disappear from the area, with an announcement made by owners, Sainsbury’s, last week.

In a restructure of the business, Sainsbury’s will be cutting 3,500 jobs, all of its meat, fish and deli counters and 420 Argos outlets. Critically, it will mean the loss of more local jobs.

Whilst Sainsbury’s did not name the Midsomer Norton store specifically, in a statement made to The Journal, they said: “Any standalone store which has not reopened since March will remain closed permanently. We have not confirmed any other closures at this stage.”

Midsomer Norton’s Mayor, Cllr Lynda Robertson, has always championed the Town’s High Street and only recently addressed the Town Council about her fears for local and national businesses and how they will survive during the global pandemic.

Speaking to The Journal, she said: “When I heard that Sainsbury’s were not planning to reopen the Argos stores which had been closed during lockdown, I was so disappointed. With yet another shop on the High Street closing and the loss of jobs, it really was a worry.

“However, when I heard that they meant to keep a ‘click and collect’ system operating in suitable stores I felt a little happier, even if not all the jobs can be saved. Let’s hope that our Sainsbury’s store is one of those that continue to offer this service.

“We also have to hope that we can find another business to take over the Argos building.”

Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, Simon Roberts, has said the changes are part of a shift in consumer habits and a growth in

online shopping (likely accelerated by the pandemic).

Sainsbury’s bought Argos in 2016 and says the restructuring will save about £600m by 2024.

Whilst the standalone Argos stores are expected to close by then, with around 100 left, Sainsbury’s has said it will open 150 Argos outlets in its supermarkets. With Midsomer Norton’s Sainsbury’s store relatively small, it is uncertain what this would look like locally, or if there would be much of a presence, if any, at all.

He said: “We will ensure that collection points are never far away and many will be closer to your door as a result of our changes.

“We will work really hard to find alternative roles for as many of these colleagues as possible and expect to be able to offer alternative roles for the majority of impacted colleagues.”