Latest news with #AshleyArmstrong
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
High street chain with over 500 locations shuts long-standing branch and launches huge closing down sale
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR high street chain with more than 500 locations is shutting one of its branches — and everything inside must go. The Works in Acocks Green, Birmingham, which has been a familiar face on Warwick Road for over 20 years, is holding a huge closing down sale, with posters in the window reading: 'Sorry, we are closing! Everything must go.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The closure follows several other big-name exits from the area, including Costa Coffee, which shut earlier this year The stationery and books chain sits between Peacocks and New Image opticians but now appears to be preparing to vacate the unit. The closure follows several other big-name exits from the area, including Costa Coffee, which shut earlier this year. A spokesperson for The Works said: 'We are currently in negotiations with our landlord regarding our store in Acocks Green and would like to reassure customers that we're doing all we can to retain a presence in the town.' Locals have taken to social media to share their disappointment, calling the once-thriving centre 'finished'. One anonymous resident wrote: 'Can remember years ago you could spend hours mooching around all the shops they had... now all we have is barbers and nail bars. Such a shame.' Ann Kain added: 'One of the few decent shops left in The Green. What a dump now.' The closing down sale has seen prices slashed, with many items now going for less than half their usual price as the store clears its shelves. It comes as the high street faces mounting pressure across the UK, with more well-known names either cutting down locations or disappearing entirely. The Original Factory Shop is preparing to shut ten shops, including nine set to close this month. Why are shops closing stores? The firm previously warned some locations were no longer sustainable. Poundland is also closing its Surrey Quays branch in London this week, with a further 200 stores reportedly at risk. A final decision on the sale of the chain is expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, long-running department store Daniel of Ealing will shut its doors for good on June 8 after 120 years in business. It has launched a massive clearance sale to mark the closure. Iceland will also shut its College Square, Margate branch on June 21, though the supermarket has not confirmed the exact reason. Staff will be offered other roles within the business. Ginger, a family-run clothing store operating since the 1970s, will close for good on June 7 after nearly five decades on the high street. With more shops closing and fewer new businesses moving in, many local centres like Acocks Green are struggling to maintain footfall and retain a mix of useful shops. Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Full list of 14 shops set to close next month in a blow to shoppers – is your area affected?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAJOR retailers will close several stores for good this month as the high street continues to face difficulties. This year businesses have faced increased costs due to Government changes announced in the Budget. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 14 shops are set to close in June as retailers face lower footfall and higher costs Credit: Getty An increase in employer National Insurance contributions, energy and rent costs and lower customer footfall have all piled on pressure. As a result, some retailers have been forced to hike prices, review expansion plans and reduce the number of stores they have. But remember, retailers regularly close shops for a number of reasons, not just because they are struggling. For example, they may have a nearby store that is performing better or may want to move to a location that will have a higher footfall, such as a retail park. Here is a full list of the shops we know are shutting in June 2025. The Original Factory Shop The discount high street chain is set to close nine shops next month as it prepares to shutter a total of ten branches in the coming weeks. The Original Factory Shop previously warned it would have to shut some 'loss-making' locations after it began to struggle in recent years. The retailer is now set to close the following shops this month: Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire - June 26 Perth - June 28 Chester Le Street, County Durham - June 28 Arbroath, Angus - June 28 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire - June 28 Pershore, Worcestershire - June 28 Normanton, West Yorkshire - June 28 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - June 28 Shaftesbury, Dorset - June 28 It will also close a store in Staveley, Cumbria on July 12. Private equity firm Modella bought The Original Factory Shop back in February and has since launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 The Original Factory Shop stores. Modella also recently bought Hobbycraft and WHSmith's high street shops. Poundland Poundland is set to close a store this week as a further 200 shops remain at risk. The bargain retailer is set to close its branch in Surrey Quays, London, on June 11. Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. Bidding for the business started last month. Gordon Brothers, the ex-owner of Laura Ashley, and Homebase owner Hilco are reported to be in a two way race to win the chain. A decision on who the preferred bidder is could be announced in the coming days. Polish retail giant Pepco said it expects the sale of Poundland to be completed by September. Daniel of Ealing The iconic department store will close its doors for good in June after 120 years on the high street. The retailer has launched a huge clearance sale, with up to 50% off beds, furniture, homeware and fashion. Its final day of trading will be June 8. Rising costs and a struggling high street have forced the family-run business to call time on the store. The business was founded in 1901 by Walter James Daniel and began as a small draper's shop in Ealing, London. The Windsor flagship shop will remain open, alongside its online business. The firm said five Daniel employees will be impacted by the closure. The Works The Works is set to close its Margate High Street store on June 8. Its next nearest store will be at the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre or Ramsgate Garden Centre. A spokesperson for The Works said: 'As part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio, we will be closing our Margate store. 'We have loved being part of the local community and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure. 'Customers can continue to shop with us at our nearby stores at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre and Ramsgate Garden Centre.' The chain has already closed five other branches this year. These closures are part of the normal process of closing under performing sites. Iceland The supermarket chain will close its store in College Square, Margate, on June 21. Iceland has not yet confirmed the reason for the sudden closure but it said that staff at the Margate branch will be offered jobs within the business. Iceland is completing a broader reshuffle of its operations as it adapts to shifting consumer habits, cost pressures and the growing demand for convenience and online shopping. Ginger The much loved clothing shop will close its doors for good this month after nearly 50 years in business. Ginger will shut for good on June 7, after the owners said they were forced to make an 'incredibly difficult decision'. The shop was founded by David and Rodger Kingsley in 1978 following the success of their sister company Jonathan Trumbull in 1971. The store manager blamed the current economic climate and the aftermath of Covid-19 for the business's hardship. The shop has launched a closing down sale as it prepares to close. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major department store with 26 shops UK-wide shuts TODAY after closing down sale
Around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year SHUTTERS DOWN Major department store with 26 shops UK-wide shuts TODAY after closing down sale Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic department store has closed its doors for good today. The legendary retail giant has pulled the shutters down on the once-beloved high street staple. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The once-popular retailer has closed multiple stores across the UK Credit: Getty The recent closing down sale has marked the end of the city's historic House of Fraser. The Lincoln High Street site has housed the department store for more than 100 years, while it was previously called Mawer and Collingham. In 1980, the company was bought by House of Fraser. Its closure highlights a "real problem" for the city centre losing a big "anchor tenant". The old building in the city centre is said to be 'difficult to redevelop' with it being right beside a road. The luxury Radisson Hotel chain had won planning permission in 2020 to demolish the building and replace it with a 150-bed 'lifestyle' hotel featuring shops, a restaurant, a gym, a bar, and a courtyard garden. The proposal was expected to create 190 jobs and boost Lincoln's economy. However, these plans never materialised, and the permission expired in May 2023. House of Fraser was saved from collapse by billionaire businessman Mike Ashley back in 2018. But while the deal saved the chain's 59 stores and 17,000 workers who were facing the axe many more stores have closed in recent years. Topshop teases high street return Other stores affected include Bristol, Bluewater, Birmingham, Cardiff and Guildford. Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have made large-scale projects increasingly difficult to come to fruition. Decreasing store sales and rising staff costs have made it impossible for shops to stay open. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Britain's first ever American-style shopping centre to be DEMOLISHED in huge overhaul this summer
Part of UK retail site to be flattened after council approval SHOP HAPPY Britain's first ever American-style shopping centre to be DEMOLISHED in huge overhaul this summer THE UK's first American-style shopping centre is set to be bulldozed this summer after the council gave the go-ahead for a major revamp. The Viking Centre, located in Jarrow town centre, will undergo partial demolition following approval from South Tyneside Council's planning department. 3 The overhaul is aimed at opening up space for future redevelopment Credit: Viking Centre 3 No objections were received during the public consultation period. Credit: Getty The plans focus on tearing down "a number of units that are largely vacant, including the former Wilko building on the corner of Bede Precinct and Ellison Street". Several of the neighbouring units have been standing empty, with some last used by charity shops. The overhaul is aimed at opening up space for future redevelopment. According to the approved application, the Jarrow Buffs Social Club at 96 Ellison Street is not included in the demolition area and will remain untouched. The application was submitted earlier this year by Sheet Anchor Investments Limited, the owners of the site, and was approved on April 29, 2025. No objections were received during the public consultation period. Planning officers noted that the method of demolition was appropriate for the site and that the restoration plans would leave the area in a 'tidy condition'. Demolition work is due to start in July and finish by 1 December 2025, reports Chronicle Live. That means the site could be cleared in time for the busy Christmas season. The buildings will be knocked down using a top-down method, with the roof removed first, followed by perimeter walls. Major high street retailer with 17 Scots stores to close 'a THIRD' of UK shops They will be demolished down to 'slab level'. Extra safety and environmental measures will be in place, including fencing, dust suppression systems, and a wheel wash system for all site vehicles. Council officials confirmed the site is not listed, not part of a conservation area, and holds no local or national protected status. Checks with the council's countryside team found minimal risk to protected species like bats or nesting birds. However, two informative notes were included as a precaution. Under planning rules, demolition must begin within five years – but documents confirm that work on the Viking Centre is firmly scheduled to begin this summer. The Sun has approached South Tyneside Council for comment. Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Town centre gift and interiors store announces shock closure leaving shoppers gutted
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOWN centre gift and interior design shop has announced it will be closing its doors after 10 years of trading. Hilary & Alice, based in Diss, South Norfolk, will close its doors, citing declining footfall and rising costs. 1 Shoppers have expressed their sadness on social media over the closure The gift shop, which also provides interior design services, has been a beloved fixture on Mere Street for over a decade. However, in a heartfelt post on Facebook, the owners revealed that retaining the physical shop is no longer sustainable. The post said: "After nearly 10 incredible years trading in Diss, we've got some big news to share. "As of later this summer, our beloved physical shop will be closing its doors. "Running a shop is tough at the best of times, but the past few years have thrown challenge after challenge at small businesses like ours. "We've proudly weathered nearly a decade of trading through a global health crisis, a cost-of-living crisis, and the slow decline of the Diss high street. "Sadly, as more stores have closed, footfall has dropped, and rising costs have made it harder than ever to sustain a physical retail space." The closure doesn't mark the end of the business, as the owners have confirmed that the brand will continue to provide in-home consultations for furniture painting, upholstery, and comprehensive interior design services. However, shoppers have expressed their sadness on social media over the closure of the beloved physical store. One person said on Facebook: "Such a shame! So many lovely individual and unique things that have been great personal presents bought in here… Why are so many pubs and bars closing? "A big loss for the high street." Another said: "I only came to Diss just to visit your store." A third shopper added: "Actually gutted! "Although I've only brought a couple items from you before this is by far the best shop window in diss, and I'm sad to see it's no longer going to be there! Good luck!" Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. Other shops leaving the high street Beales, one of Britain's oldest department stores, has launched a closing down sale before it shuts its last remaining shop after more than 140 years. The company will shut its branch in Poole's Dolphin Centre on May 31. The sale includes fashion, furniture, gifts and cosmetics, being sold for up to 70% off. Beales chief executive Tony Brown blamed the "devastating impact" of the rise in national insurance contributions and the higher minimum wage for the store closure. Meanwhile, high street fashion chain New Look has begun to close stores as it scales back its UK footprint. It is understood to be shutting nearly 100 stores - equivalent to around a quarter of its 364 shops. Stores in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, St Austell, Cornwall and Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf have launched closing down sales. Reports suggest that the company has been forced to accelerate the pace of store closures due to tax changes in the Autumn Budget. Meanwhile, Huttons in London will shut its store in the Putney Exchange due to excessive energy costs. The gift shop became a local icon after it opened in the 1990s.
