Store closures are continuing to ramp up across the UK despite consumers flocking to high streets as part of their Christmas shop.
Among the major retailers shutting down sites up and down the country in December 2024 include Dobbies, Ann Summers and The Original Factory Shop.
In the first half of 2024, a total of 6,945 shops belonging to multiples and chains closed down for good in either the high street, shopping centres or retail parks, according to analysis from PwC.
This is the equivalent to 38 shops shutting down daily in a blow to the economy amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. For comparison, there were 36 store closures daily during the first six month of 2023.
Despite this setback, store openings have grown slightly over the period from 24 to 25 a day which PwC claims shows “some level of stability”, however the net decline remains around one per cent every six months.
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Dobbies, Ann Summers and The Original Factory Shop are all shutting stores
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Rich Jones, the financial services firm’s leader of Hospitality, Sport and Leisure in the UK, broke down why store closures are becoming the norm in Britain.
He explained: “How consumers choose to prioritise their pounds and take up their time has changed. There’s been a continued shift, with consumers seeking new experiences and spending more time with friends and family.
“This should be welcome news for the hospitality sector. However, our data shows continued net closures in the first half, particularly for those businesses hardest hit by energy and labour cost inflation.
“Put simply, adapting to these changes has become an existential matter. As the high street continues to evolve, there will be even more opportunities for new operators to make their mark.”
The Original Factory Shop
Recently, the discount retailer confirmed on social media that its branch in Haverfordwest, Wales will close for good on December 14.
A representative for The Original Factory Shop posted: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.”
Here is a full list of the other store closures from the company that have shut down in 2024:
- Brightlingsea, Essex
- Bodmin, Cornwall
- Chepstow, Wales
- Fakenham, Norfolk
- Harwich, Essex
- Mildenhall, Suffolk
- Padiham, Lancashire
- Taunton, Somerset
- Deal, Kent
Ann Summers
Residents in Doncaster will see their much loved Ann Summers branch close on Christmas Eve with shoppers only having weeks left to make a purchase.
A spokesperson for the brand stated: “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.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Dobbies has confirmed its plan to shut down multiple sites DOBBIES
Dobbies
Multiple locations from the garden centre are due to close for good this month due to bening “unprofitable”, according to Garden Forum.
While store closures are subject to court approval, the following sites will shut down later in December:
- Dobbies – Pennine – December 15
- Dobbies – Kings Lynn – December 15
- Dobbies – Gloucester – December 15
- Dobbies – Harlestone Heath – December 17
- Dobbies – Altrincham – December 17
- Dobbies – Gosforth – December 19/20
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