After more than half a century, Coles is leaving Mitcham

Coles Mitcham and the adjoining Liquorland store in Britannia Mall will close for good at 6pm on Friday June 6, after its lease expires.

The supermarket has been operating for more than 55 years.

Woolworths has confirmed it would be opening a new store at the Mitcham location.

Local MPs and councillors have lamented the announcement, with one councillor even organising a special event to “farewell the store together”.

Established in the late 1960s after Edgar Coles bought the land from the former Nunawading Council for $500,000, the Mitcham store has been a key part of the main retail strip for decades.

Coles said where possible, it would relocate impacted staff to nearby stores.

In a video on his Facebook page, North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Nick McGowan said now was a time to thank all staff members, past and present.

“It’s a moment, I think, for us all to reflect, to perhaps, mourn in some ways the end of this era,” he said.

“We’re looking to keep this a vibrant part of our community.”

A Coles spokesperson said there were a number of nearby stores for Mitcham customers to visit.

“While we are sadly saying goodbye to this store, we have three nearby stores for ... customers to choose from - Coles Ringwood (2.7km away), Coles Blackburn North (3.4km away) and Coles Tunstall Square (3.2km away),” the spokesperson said.

Whitehorse councillor Ben Stennett said the closure would have a significant impact on the Mitcham township, especially after the recent closure of the post office, the newsagency and local banks in the area.

“Coles has been an integral part of our community in Mitcham for almost 60 years,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to see another key service disappear from our area.”

Councillor Stennett is holding an event at the supermarket at 6pm on June 6 and community members are invited to attend and show their appreciation to staff.

“These team members have supported us for decades — it’s a moment to recognise that,” he said.

Councillor Stennett said all residents should stay connected to and supportive of businesses in the precinct as it moves into a new chapter.

“As a councillor and local resident, I’m passionate about keeping Mitcham’s business community alive and thriving,” he said.

“We need to continue advocating for accessible, essential services in our neighbourhood.”