High street giant with over 1,000 shops to shut branch as mystery surrounds shopping centre future
A MAJOR retailer with more than 1,000 branches has announced it will close one of its stores, adding to growing uncertainty surrounding the future of a prominent shopping centre.
Speculation about redevelopment plans, whispers of student flats, and a steady exodus of businesses have left locals wondering what lies ahead for the site.
WHSmith confirmed it will shut its Loughborough store in Carillon Court Shopping Centre next year.
The company said the closure is due to the landlord’s plans for redevelopment.
WHSmith expressed disappointment but stressed that the move was unavoidable.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Loughborough and would like to thank our customers for their support and our colleagues for their commitment during this transition.”
The closure is the latest blow for Carillon Court, which has seen several stores depart in recent months.
Vision Express, for instance, recently relocated to a street-facing unit, citing the shopping centre’s “closure” as the reason.
Businesses like Oh Pretty Co, The Repair Shop, and Grape Tree also vacated their spaces after being told their leases would not be renewed.
Rumours have swirled that the shopping centre could be turned into student flats, but no official plans have been confirmed, and no planning applications have been submitted.
Retail property consultant Space, which represents the site’s owners, has remained silent despite repeated requests for information.
In response to mounting speculation, Charnwood Borough Council has called for clarity from the site’s owners.
Highlighting the importance of a vibrant town centre, the council stated: “No one wants to see empty units in a town centre.
“Concerns about vacant units at the site have been communicated to the landowner.
“We hope they will be in a position to outline their plans in the near future.”
The council also pointed to investments in the area, including improvements funded by the Loughborough Town Deal, as evidence of its commitment to revitalising the local economy.
But the lack of transparency about Carillon Court’s future has left many feeling uncertain.
Shoppers in Doncaster, meanwhile, are gutted to see another major high street shop close for good, with the retailer shifting “all stock” before Christmas.
This seductive store will shut shop on Christmas eve so customers have been urged to get their naughty stocking fillers now.
Ann Summers in Doncaster city centre has been a staple on the high street for several decades and residents are devastated to see it go.
Known for its provocative lingerie and collection of risque bedroom toys, the shop is now offering a “warehouse clearance event” and a 70 per cent off sale.
An Ann Summers spokesperson said “As part of the normal course of business, we regularly review the location of our stores, which occasionally results in new site openings, renovations, relocations, and store closures.
“Unfortunately, the lease on our Doncaster store will come to an end in December 2024 and we will be closing the store.”