Iceland is planning to bring its popular bulk-buy store, The Food Warehouse, to Southend, with plans now submitted to Rochford Council to take over the former Carpetright unit at the Southend Airport Retail Park.
The new Food Warehouse will join well-loved retailers B&M and Home Bargains at the bustling shopping hub, forming what one Westcliff local resident described as “the ultimate day out for impulse buys!”
The Food Warehouse concept was first launched in 2014 as an ‘experiment’ by Iceland, targeting out-of-town retail parks where parking is usually free and space allows for larger store formats. These stores offer many of the same frozen and grocery items found in regular Iceland branches, but in much larger multipacks — ideal for families, meal preppers or anyone looking to stock up and save.
Shoppers can expect everything from freezer favourites like chicken dippers and pizzas, to bundles of cupboard staples, crisps, fizzy drinks, and cleaning supplies — all tailored to those who want more for their money.
Iceland has ambitious plans to open around 200 more Food Warehouses in the coming years, and the proposed Southend store forms part of that rapid expansion. The company’s strategy taps into a growing demand for value-driven shopping, especially amid the ongoing cost-of-living pressures many households are feeling.
The new location is expected to drive even more footfall to Southend Airport Retail Park.
One local resident shared their excitement: “These three shops being together will make it like the ultimate day out for impulse buys! All we need now is a huge Primark there too.”
The former Carpetright unit has been vacant for some time, and the arrival of a major retailer like Iceland could provide a boost not just to the retail park but also to the wider Southend area.
Another local, Stuart Tennison, questioned the feasibility of the development: “This retail park seems to be changing from mainly home and office goods to more grocery outlets. Does this increase the number of customers and so increase traffic and parking requirements? I don’t often use this retail park, but the carpark never seemed that big.”
Mick Green also warned future shoppers about parking tickets in the Southend Airport Retail Park. He said: “They need to sort out parking company cameras too. They tried to fine me for being parked there for 44 hours and I wasn’t the only one!”
As the plans progress, locals are already speculating about what other stores could enhance the retail park experience. With a strong lineup already in place, the arrival of The Food Warehouse could make Southend’s retail park one of the area’s top destinations for value shopping.
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I think it’s a good idea to have a Food Warehouse for people who come from Rochford that don’t have a supermarket in Rochford. Apart from Tesco supermarket that is near to Rochford located on the A127 and near to Southend Airport.