The high street economy is continuing to evolve across the UK, with many big brands opening, and closing, stores in April 2024.
Boots, Marks and Spencer, Sports Direct and Peacocks are among the retailers which have confirmed store closures.
Here is a breakdown of the stores closures taking place throughout April 2024:
Marks and Spencer
- Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough - April 20, 2024
On the closure, regional manager Craig Burton said: “Shopping habits are changing, so we're rotating our store estate to make sure we have the right stores to offer customers.
"In recent years, we have invested over £31million in our stores in the East of England and we look forward to working with the local council to bring forward plans for further future investment into Peterborough and the wider local area.”
Other M&S stores based in Peterborough at Brotherhood Shopping Park and its food hall at Serpentine Green, will not be affected.
Have you been impacted by store closures in your community? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
Marks and Spencer, Boots and Sports Direct are among the brands closing stores this year
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Boots
- Colwyn Bay, North Wales – April 6, 2024.
This follows the closure of the pharmacy chain’s branch in Rhos last month which is part of a wider shut down of 300 stores.
Constituency MP David Jones said: “This is hugely bad news for the local community. This is not a case of simple shop closures.
“Pharmacies play an important role in the delivery of health care, and many people will be extremely worried as to how they will be able to obtain essential medicines.
Peacocks
- Camborne, Cornwall – April 3, 2024.
The fashion retailer confirmed the news of its closure in the area on its Facebook page in a blow to the community’s residents.
In a statement, the company said: “It's with a really heavy heart that we have to announce that we are currently closing down. Our final day of trade is April 3, 2024.
"We would like to thank every single customer who has walked through our doors and supported us over the years."
WH Smith
- Margate, Kent - April 20, 2024.
Notably, the Post Office branch which can be found in this store will also close down which impacts Margate residents’ postal services.
The Cliftonville Post Office branch in Margate will remain open to those affected by this closure.
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High streets have been hit by a wave of closures since the pandemic PASports Direct
- High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire – April 2024.
The sportswear retailer has confirmed the closure of its store on Octagon Parade in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
However, shoppers living in the area will still be able to buy clothing and other sports items from Sports Direct in-person.
This is because the brand is opening a new store in the former Zara unit in the Eden Shopping Centre on April 19.