ONE of the 'big four' supermarket giants has confirmed it is looking for a Llandudno location.
Sainsbury's told the Pioneer it is "actively looking" for a site, following speculation the supermarket could be moving into the former Alworths store on Mostyn Street as a Sainsbury's Local.
A spokeswoman for Sainsbury's said: "We are actively looking in Llandudno, but nothing has been confirmed at the moment."
The nearest Sainsbury's supermarket is currently in Rhyl.
Llandudno town councillor Jobi Hold believed the supermarket could be a benefit to the town, and felt the vacant Alworths store would be a prime location.
He said: "It's certainly nice to see businesses going into vacant sites - especially of that size. It has had book shops and the Alworths which have all failed, so it would be nice to see a shop like Sainsbury's in there.
"With the new Asda opening in Llandudno Junction there is more competition amongst the bigger stores, and that can only lead to be better value for people.
"It might also bring more people into that end of the town. The footfall has gone because of the empty shops at that end, but people might think 'Oh we need this' and give them another reason to go there."
Cllr Hold hoped existing businesses would benefit from a more bustling Mostyn Street.
He added: "People are going to complain. At the end of the day, everyone's got to get on with business. It's sink or swim. If your business is good, you're going to keep your local people."
Iceland set to close
AS ONE major supermarket is looking to open a presence in Llandudno, another is set to close its doors "in the near future".
The Iceland store on Mostyn Champneys has announced it will no longer be operating out of the town's retail park.
No reason was given for the closure, but a spokeswoman confirmed Iceland would be looking for a new site in the town.
She said: "We have traded at the Llandudno store for a number of years and sadly can confirm that the store will be closing in the near future.
"We are actively looking for new premises in the Llandudno area. In the meantime, we are currently working with our store staff and hopefully will be able to accommodate them in other stores in the area."
The news has shocked councillors who said the supermarket would be missed by residents.
Llandudno Town Councillor Angie O'Grady, said: "People rely on that service, because they deliver as well. I am really saddened by this.
"I'm sure Mostyn Estates are good at getting businesses into the town and have someone on hand. I'm pretty sure it won't stay empty for too long.
"It is very sad if it does have to close - I sincerely hope it doesn't."
It is believed the Iceland stores in Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction will remain open.