‘Such a shame’ cry shoppers as bargain chain with 850 branches to shut another store TODAY after just six months
SHOPPERS are devastated after a major bargain chain with 850 branches closed another one of its stores today.
A Poundland store in Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford, is closing for good on today.
Another store on Bradfield Road in Hillsborough, Sheffield, shut its doors for good on April 20.
The stores were open for just six months after they took over former Wilko sites.
Shoppers have taken to Facebook to share their disappointment.
“Sad, I loved Poundland,” said one user.
This shopper wrote: “Well that didn’t last long.”
“Nothing ever does now mate,” replied another user.
A spokesperson for the bargain store said: “Sadly we’ve been unable to secure a long-term lease that would enable us to keep trading.”
The store’s closure in Sheffield promoted Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow, to share her thoughts on social media.
“Despite Poundland taking over Wilko in Jarrow just six months ago, they have announced they will close,” she said.
“I met with staff and will be writing to Poundland Usdaw Union to ask a number of questions including why a short lease was taken.”
A spokesperson for the Jarrow discount shop confirmed the store could no longer operate.
They added: “We know that will be disappointing to customers and colleagues alike – we will, of course, do all we can, to look for other opportunities for colleagues at the store.”
Around 71 Wilko stores were bought up by Poundland after they fell into administration last year.
The bargain retailer quickly turned them around and re-opened the stores under their brand.
Since then stores in Ellesmere Port, Glashiels and the Sailmakers Shopping Centre in Ipswich have closed for good.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for Poundland fans, as the retailer has also been busy opening up in some new locations.
Most recently the retailer has cut the ribbon on stores in Norwich and Bridgwater.
What is happening to the high street?
The increase in shoppers turning to online retail has seen the high street struggle in recent years.
High energy costs and business rates have hit retailers hard.
This has resulted in many retailers being forced to shut up shop as they can no longer operate within their budgets.
For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink but other retailers have been less fortunate.
This year, The Body Shop fell into administration and has seen dozens of branches close, 82 will have shut in total by the end of April.
Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.