Yahoo News Poundland and Co-op among high street giants closing stores this July - see list
The British high street has been dealt a severe blow this year, with household names such as Marks and Spencer, Boots, and Costa Coffee announcing store closures amidst the cost of living crisis.
With consumers tightening their belts, luxury spending has taken a hit, impacting retailers who are also grappling with rising rents and restructuring plans.
Research from the Centre for Retail Research indicates that nearly 10,500 shops shut down permanently last year, and from January to May 2024, a further 804 stores have closed for good. The trend looks set to continue, with an expected total of 10 more shops closing in July alone.
Here's the full rundown of store closures slated for July, as reported by the Express.
Poundland
Poundland is shuttering two of its locations this month, including a Grimsby store on Freeman Street which only opened its doors seven months ago. The closure happened on July 2.
A spokesperson for Poundland confirmed the closure to The Sun, stating: "We've been unable to secure a long-term lease that would enable us to keep trading which is disappointing."
Poundland has also announced the closure of its Hitchin store in North Hertfordshire on July 16. A spokesperson for the company explained that they have been unable to secure a long-term lease that would allow them to continue trading.
B&M
Meanwhile, discount chain B&M is set to close its Gainsborough shop, located at 14-20 Lord Street, on July 17. However, it's not all doom and gloom as a new branch in the same area will open its doors on July 20. As reported by the Mirror, the new site will be situated in a former Wilko in Marshall's Yard.
B&Q
DIY and home improvement retailer B&Q will be closing its Sudbury store in Suffolk on July 20 due to an expiring lease.
After serving the local community for over 12 years, the store will shut its doors for the final time. A spokesman for B&Q revealed: "The landlord has secured planning permission to redevelop the site and to occupy the B&Q unit themselves."
Co-op
Meanwhile, Co-op will be closing its Stoke-on-Trent store in Meir permanently on July 13. The store, situated on Weston Road, is poised to operate as a Nisa store after its sale.
A representative for Co-op said: "Co-op regularly reviews its stores and the decision to sell any store is only taken after careful consideration."
He continued: "Our Meir store is being sold and a key priority has been to safeguard local jobs. Colleagues, who have been informed and are being fully supported, will transfer to the new operator.
"The new store will operate as a Nisa store, indicating that Co-op favourite products will remain available locally. We would like to thank the Meir community for their support of the Co-op."
Card Factory
The retailer confirmed the impending closure of its store located in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, scheduled for July 20.
A spokesperson said: "We continually review our estate of over 1,050 stores across the UK and Ireland. With our other Cumbernauld store just around the corner in the Antonine Shopping Centre on Forth Walk, (0.2 miles away), we have taken the decision to close our store on Teviot Street from July 20."
Peacocks
Peacocks is set to bid farewell to its Holywell High Street store in Flintshire, Wales, with the doors closing for the last time on July 25. A sign displayed in the window confirms the date, directing shoppers to the nearest alternative at Flint Retail Park.
The Works
The Works has also confirmed the upcoming closure of its Berwick-upon-Tweed store in Northumberland. A representative told the Northumberland Gazette: "We can confirm that we will be closing our Berwick-upon-Tweed store on the 26th of July."
They explained the reason behind the move: "This has been a great location for The Works, but sadly we have been unable to agree on suitable lease terms to stay."
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and would like to thank customers for shopping at the store over the years."
Robert Dyas
The Robert Dyas outlet at Castle Point shopping centre in Bournemouth will be closing its doors for the last time on July 20.
The landlord served a notice to the store as there are plans to divide the unit into two. A spokesperson for Robert Dyas stated that they were "not able to mutually agree terms in bidding for one of those units".
They added: "We will vacate that store on July 20, and continue to search for a suitable new location in the area, as it is a high performing store for us.
"The nearest stores for our loyal Robert Dyas customers, in the meantime, are Poole and Christchurch."
