Online discount grocer Motatos has shut down its store in the UK just one year after launching in June 2022 due to what it described as ‘tough’ market conditions.
The grocery business, dubbed the “Swedish Lidl,” sold ambient food and fast moving consumer goods to shoppers, which it claimed were 60% cheaper than the recommended retail price.
The company maintained cheap prices by selling products that were out of season, close to their best before dates or had old packaging.
The Motatos UK website reads: “It’s been great getting to know you. Thank you for your support the past year. You and our other customers have helped us recirculate over 1,000 tonnes of food and consumer products. We couldn’t have done it without you.
“Now you’ll have to keep the war against food waste going without us as sadly, we have to throw in the towel this time and leave you. But we’ll still be around in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Austria if you’re ever in the areas”.
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The notice went on to explain “tough” market conditions meant it had to focus its efforts on “the Nordics, Germany, and Austria, where we’ve been present for a longer time”.
Motatos will deliver any outstanding orders to shoppers, adding that its customer service team would remain in operation until mid-October.
It also insisted it had no immediate plans to return to the UK.
Any remaining stock in Motatos’ warehouse will be purchased by third-party retailer Discount Dragon, The Grocer reports.
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