DISAPPOINTED shoppers fumed “last business out please turn off the lights” after another major high street retailer announced a closure.
An “excellent” Robert Dyas branch will be imminently waving goodbye to loyal customers amid a huge shake-up.
The popular site, in Castlepoint, Bournemouth, is set to shut up shop on July 20.
Fans will have to make the most of anticipated closing down sales in the meantime.
The sad news comes after the store was served a notice by their landlord.
It’s understood the owner wished to split the unit in two and a mutual agreement couldn’t be reached.
A Robert Dyas spokesperson confirmed: “The landlord has served notice on our Castle Point store, as they wanted to split the unit in two and sadly we were not able to mutually agree terms in bidding for one of those units.
“We will leave that store on July 20th, and continue to look for an additional and appropriate new site in the area, as it is a strong performing store for us.
“The next nearest stores in the meantime, for our loyal Robert Dyas customers, are Poole and Christchurch.”
Now, there are plans for two shops to take over the space, with brands names to be confirmed.
Castlepoint will see two store closures, while one opens and another relocates.
Centre manager David Pickett told the Bournemouth Echo: “It’s been a busy few weeks at Castlepoint with news that Mango will soon be joining our line-up, Waterstones will be moving to a new unit – taking a new lease that keeps them here in Bournemouth longer, complete with the much enjoyed Caffè Nero in-store – and confirmation of Tui’s opening later this month.
“I can also confirm that TK Maxx has extended its lease to remain trading here, with HomeSense part and parcel.”
Meanwhile, Clintons card shop will be pulling down the shutters for good.
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 and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
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.
- 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 shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.