"Towns such Armidale depend upon shops and businesses large and small for their economy to thrive, to provide employment, and to contribute to the feeling of wellbeing in the community," he said.

Earlier in the week, the Woolworths Group announced Armidale's Big W store would close early next year. The company announced on Tuesday morning that it would close the Armidale store, and two in Victoria.

"I appreciate that Big W has to maintain an economically viable business, but there is more to it than that," said Mr Fox.

"In regional areas, they also have a moral responsibility, particularly in current economic times.

"The Armidale shopping scene, along with our local small retailers, form part of the fabric of our community. When stores such as Big W leave town, they tear that fabric in a way that is difficult to repair."

Mr Fox went on to say the company had a social responsibility but was instead making just rational commercial decisions.

"Big W no doubt makes decisions based on turnover and return on investment," he said.

"That part is simple. Taking into account drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and the effect of withdrawing a store, however, is both more complex and necessary.

"Big W has said that it will do all within its power to help its Armidale employees find new employment. It should be kept to its word.

"I'm also not convinced that they have done enough to make the store in Armidale - which services other areas as well, a viable proposition."

READ ALSO:

A spokesperson from BIG W said the closure had been carefully considered and reaching an agreement with a landlord to close a store was based on a number of factors including lease obligations, performance and future potential.

"The decision to close any of our stores, in particular, BIG W Armidale because of its regional location, has not been taken lightly," they said.

"We are focused on the team's wellbeing and are holding one on one conversations with each of them as well as offering additional support on-site.

"Over the next five months, we will look for every opportunity to redeploy our Armidale team members to other Woolworths stores if they choose to, noting that collectively, our Armidale Woolworths, Dan Murphys and BWS employ over 180 people in the community and remain critical to our network."

However, Mr Fox remains unconvinced.

"These people are just making rational commercial decisions and not really worrying about the heartland of this area, and I think it is quite sad," he said.

"I'd be delighted if the shareholders, for example, took it upon themselves to say the company should take more responsibility in these areas but I guess that is not going to happen because shareholders are just interested in their dividends."

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall described the Armidale Big W closure as another blow to the local community and economy and said he had written to Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci requesting written assurances that he will do everything within his power to find the 47 Armidale staff new jobs within the company or elsewhere.