ONE of the biggest stores in Beccles is due to change hands after the Anglia Co-operative agreed to sell its supermarket to Roys.

The Rainbow store in Gosford Road will close on Saturday, August 25 after the co-operative decided it was “too large”.

However it will not stay closed for long as Roys (Wroxham) Ltd will be extending the store and opening in October, as the firm continues to expand.

Roys, which sells a range of products including food, fashion, DIY, gardening and toys, plan to extend the retail space in the store with more than 40 departments.

Ed Roy, managing director, said the company was thrilled to be opening in Beccles.

“With outstanding service, products and prices, a superb location with easy access and plenty of parking, we think the Beccles store is going to be a favourite destination for shoppers from both near and far,” he said.

The family opened their first store in Coltishall in 1895, and has grown their business across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Beccles store currently employs 39 staff, six full-time and 33 part-time, and all will remain working for Roys.

Andy Simpson, Anglia Co-operative deputy chief executive, said: “We believe this heralds an exciting future for the store and its staff and we’re delighted that all jobs are protected as part of the deal.”

Competition from other supermarkets in the town has included Morrisons and Tesco, which is expanding with new departments opening next month, while the group also has a shop in the centre of town.

Mr Simpson said: “The store was too large for our portfolio, in an edge-of-town location, and there is already a Co-operative presence in Beccles following Co-operative Group’s purchase of Somerfield.”

The company has been selling goods at discount rates all week, with the shelves rapidly clearing.