It was in 2015 that Coop Värmland announced that they intended to close Coop Extra in Degerfors if the development for the store could not be reversed.

The municipality then started a dialogue on how trade in Degerfors could be facilitated.

Detail plan for remodeling

In the summer of 2018, a detailed plan for new access roads and parking spaces at the square was clubbed.

- We looked at it positively and together with the property owner, we were prepared to go in with million investments to reverse the development of the store that has been at a loss for a long time, says Tomas Sjölander, CEO of Coop Värmland.

But at the beginning of the year, the new political majority in the municipality announced that they intended not to pursue the plan.

"No conditions available"

The matter was therefore reimbursed to the city council, which however decided that the previously clubbed plan would be completed.

Despite this, the Municipal Board is adhering to its decision and has presented alternative plans for the square that Coop Värmland has taken part of.

- In light of this, we have seen that there are no conditions and we will close the store on January last 2020, says Sjölander.

Respects democratic process

Today, the store in Degerfors employs nine people and trade union negotiations have started. Coop Värmland intends to focus on another store in the resort and another in Karlskoga.

- It is sad when we and especially the staff have lived with a hope for so long. At the same time, I understand the democratic process, says Tomas Sjölander.