The British high street has suffered over the last few years. Reduced footfall and higher costs have forced many retailers to tighten their belts and close some of their brick-and-mortar sites
Five major retailers will be closing sites this month – with some set to shut more than one. The British high street has suffered over the last few years. Reduced footfall and higher costs have forced many retailers to tighten their belts and close some of their brick-and-mortar sites.
However, it is always important to note that some retailers close sites for other business reasons and not because they are struggling financially. Some close because the tenancy has come to an end on the site, or that the branch is not as profitable as others.
According to recent data from the Centre for Retail Research, around 13,479 high street stores closed for good last year, a 28% increase from the previous year. It estimates that around 17,350 stores will close this year as businesses face higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and increases in the national minimum wage from April.
Sadly, the closures are coming earlier, with a handful of popular high street chains closing sites this month. Here we have listed all of the retailers with sites pulling down shutters over June.
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Trespass
Trespass will be closing one of its high street stores at the end of next month. However, shoppers don’t need to be disapointed as the closure comes as the site is set for refurb. Trespass is known for selling sports clothing, camping gear and outdoor accessories.
The retailer’s store in Abergavenny – based on Cibi Walk – is set to close on June 30, with signs having been placed in the window saying “all stock must go”. The refit is expected to be conducted over the summer, however a new opening date has yet to be confirmed by the retailer. According to its website, Trespass has around 300 stores worldwide, with the majority of those stores based in the UK.
Game
Game is closing its Trafford Centre store in Manchester this month. However once again shoppers do not need to be disapointed as the closure comes as a new Game store has opened nearby.
The gaming retailer – which is on the mall’s Lower Peel Avenue – has put up signs telling shoppers the store is closing down and “all stock must go”. The reason for the move is because a new Sports Direct store has just opened across the bridge at Trafford Palazzo, and just like the Manchester Arndale store, it’s also got a Game store included.
The exact date for the closure has not been confirmed however, it will be closing at some point this month. A spokesperson for The Trafford Centre said: “Game has relocated to the new Sports Direct store at Trafford Palazzo, and we wish them well in their new home. We’re always working hard to bring new and exciting brands to Trafford Centre, offering our visitors the best possible experience.
“We’re currently in discussion with a number of retailers and will be in a position to announce which brand will be going in the former Game store in due course.”
Iceland
Iceland will be closing its supermarket store in Margate on June 21. The frozen food retailer – which has around 900 stores across the UK – has been in the site in College Square for the last decade.
The reason for the closure has not been confirmed, however, Iceland has said that staff working at the store have been offered jobs in other areas of the business. On the closure, a spokesperson said: “We can confirm our Margate Iceland store will close. Our store colleagues have entered into a consultation process and have been offered opportunities at surrounding stores where possible.”
Original Factory shop
The Original Factory Shop has been struggling in recent years and has said it will have to close some of its loss-making stores as part of a restructuring plan. The next two locations to close will be the retailer’s branches in Pershore and Normanton. Both will be closing on June 28.
The Normanton store said in a Facebook post: “We as a store regret to inform you all that the store is closing down on 28 June. Live from today we have up to 30% off in store.”
The Pershore store also announced its closure in a Facebook post, saying: “We regret to inform you that the rumours are true. The Original Factory Shop Pershore has served you for 30+ years and will be closing its doors for the final time on 28 June.”
It has also been reported that the retailer’s Peterhead store is also due to close in June, although no exact date has been given. The location has been listed for rent and staff have confirmed its upcoming closure.
Holland and Barrett
The Holland and Barrett store in Inverness is set to close this month. Signs have been put up in the store saying: “‘We’re sorry this store is closing soon but you can still shop at hollandandbarrett.com”.
Holland and Barrett sells a range of vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, beauty, gluten free and vegan foods. According to local reports, the store – which is located at 34 Eastgate – is set to close as the lease is coming to an end.
However this has not been officially confirmed by the health retailer. The official date of the stores closure has also not been confirmed, however locals believe it will be this month due to the “closing soon” signs in-store.
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