The so-called ‘retail apocalypse’ on the UK high street has rumbled on with the closure of several more much-loved shops.
Nearly 7,000 store closures have taken place in the UK in the first six months of this year alone, according to the latest market research from PwC, with the problem in the US being dubbed a ‘retail apocalypse,’ according to Mail Online.
The Express reports that retail parks and shopping centres have also been impacted by shops and chains shutting down at a shocking rate of 38 closures per day.
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In the latest wave of closures, Homebase, WHSmith, Pizza Hut and shoe shop giant, Clarks will bid farewell to beloved branches.
For many retailers, it’s just the start of a string of closures expected this month and beyond.
Homebase
Homebase was the first to shutter one of its stores last weekend having bid farewell to its branch on the Cambridge Retail Park on Friday, September 13.
It follows a huge announcement by the retailer in recent weeks, revealing that it would shut a selection of its 144 locations as part of a deal with Sainsbury’s that cost more than £1million.
Some sites will be converted into Sainsbury’s supermarkets after they close, though Cambridge is not on the list of those confirmed.
However, Homebase stores in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Derry, Fareham, Inverurie, Lowestoft, Newark, Omagh, and Rugby will be converted.
Clarks
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Fans of the family-favourite shoe shop giant, Clarks saw a popular branch in Selby close for good last weekend. The retailer announced that it would shut its branch in Gowthorpe, Selby, on Saturday, September 14.
Clarks said the North Yorkshire town branch, which has been deemed “amazing” by shoppers, is grateful for the unwavering support of locals over the years.
Google reviews showcase positive experiences of the store, the closure of which has sparked sadness in the community. One person said they were “sad to see it go”, while others left glowing reviews online.
One customer shared: “Was very impressed by the service to fit my daughter’s shoes. Felt that the lady took time to try different sizes to get the right ones for her. Very happy!”
Pizza Hut
Those local to the Surrey Quays Leisure Park will see a beloved fast food chain disappear from the site.
Pizza Hut closed its doors for good on Saturday, September 14. It’s bad news for families who have spent weekends and evenings at the leisure park, as two popular neighbouring attractions will follow suit.
The Odeon Cinema and Hollywood Bowl will also shut down as part of the redevelopment of the leisure park. Plans for the plot will see it transformed into a housing estate with 384 new properties and a Tesco Extra store.
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WHSmith
Stationery giant WHSmith closed its high street branch in Sale as part of its strategy to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations.
The shop is located in Stanley Square and locked its doors for good on Saturday, September 14. A WHSmith spokesperson commented: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Sale will be closing on Saturday, September 14 owing to the landlord’s redevelopment plans.”
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