‘It’s a worry for the town’ cry locals as charity with 600 stores to close ‘lovely’ shop in HOURS
A CHARITY with 600 stores is set to close a “lovely” shop in just hours.
Barnardo’s has announced the closure of their outlet in Dovercourt, Essex.
The message, posted on social media, said the shop would be shutting up at 2pm tomorrow afternoon.
The message read: “We will be closing our High street store on Wednesday 19th June at 2pm.
“We will be accepting donations until our closing date. We are moving over to the retail park and opening in July. Date to be confirmed.
“We have loved being part of the High street & will be sad to leave however, we’re very excited to open our new store and welcome you all in.
“Thank you to all of our loyal customers; your custom & donations help to do amazing things for children & families.
“We hope to see you in the new store Changing childhoods, changing lives.”
However the news was met with a muted reaction from locals.
One posted: “Very sad too hear our Barnardo’s moving.”
Another said: “It’s a worry for the rest of the town.”
A woman said: “I love this shop everyone is so kind and it is a nice place.”
And : “Town gonna look empty. Perhaps rents need to be looked at to tempt people in to setting up a shop.”
There is no suggestion that Barnardo’s is facing any long term problems.
Popular charity shop RSPCA is shutting its Kenilworth store at Abbey End amid soaring rental prices.
All the items in the store are now being sold for slashed prices – up to 50% off.
While the staff have not yet confirmed a date for the closure, the shop has decided not to renew its current lease which ends on August 31.
Scope made the decision to shut its shop in St Swithin’s Street, Worcester, after it was unable to renew the lease on the building.
The beloved shop has been a staple on the high street for over 15 years and is run by a dedicated team of helpful volunteers.
Debbie Boylen, Scope’s head of retail, said the charity was “extremely sad” to be closing.
She added: “Our team in Worcester has really loved serving the community and we’d all like to thank the incredibly generous customers for their wonderful support over the years.”
It comes just months after another Devizes store was wiped from the streets when Clarks announced it was leaving The Brittox.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs are a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
While some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- 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, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- 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.