Dozens of Cost Pro Supermarket employees were left in shock Thursday evening after the company abruptly ceased all operations and informed staff the business was closing permanently. According to Antigua.news, workers were notified around 6:00 p.m. that the supermarket was shutting its doors with immediate effect, leaving many uncertain about outstanding wages, severance, and other employment benefits.
A termination letter dated July 9, 2026, issued by Cost Pro Management, cites the "permanent closure of business" as the reason for the shutdown and advises employees that their positions have been made redundant.
"We regret to inform you that Cost Pro Supermarket will be closing its business operations permanently and will no longer operate," the letter reads.
The letter states that July 9, 2026 constitutes the final day of employment for all affected staff. Management has indicated it will review payroll records to determine outstanding payments, including accrued vacation pay, notice pay where applicable, and severance in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda's labour laws. Workers are expected to receive a separate payment statement by July 17 outlining any amounts owed to them. Employees have also been instructed to return all company property, including uniforms, identification cards, keys, equipment, and documents.
However, the abrupt closure has sparked significant concern among the workforce. Allegations circulating among employees claim that the company and its owner may be preparing to leave Antigua and Barbuda as early as Friday. Those claims have not been independently verified.
Workers have further alleged that, despite the issuance of the termination notice, they have received no firm commitment regarding the actual payment of outstanding wages, severance, or other statutory benefits owed to them.
The sudden nature of the closure has left many employees scrambling for answers, with several expressing anxiety over meeting their financial obligations while awaiting any final payments.
What prompted the supermarket's decision to cease operations remains unclear. Union representatives are currently on-site meeting with affected staff, and Labour Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin has been informed of the situation.
