SHOPPERS have been left fearing a “ghost town” after finding out a discounter with 850 UK branches is set to close one of its stores.

Poundland is gearing up to pull down the shutters on its site inside the Lyme Green Retail Park in south Macclesfield.

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It comes after the retailer were unable to secure a lease agreement to allow the store to continue trading.

A Poundland spokesperson said on the closure: “We know that’s disappointing for customers and colleagues alike and we will do everything we can to look after colleagues.

“Thank you to our customers in Macclesfield for their support.”

They also confirmed the store is due to close on 23 August.

Shoppers took to Facebook to express their devastation on the popular shop’s closure.

One commented: “I feel sorry for the staff, lovely bunch of people. I hope they all find jobs soon.”

Another said: “Always enjoyed shopping here, it’s not too large and they don’t move their stock about so I know where everything is.

“Prices are more than competitive plus the staff are really friendly and helpful, I’m sorry they’re losing their jobs and wish them all well.”

And a frustrated local said: “Absolute joke!”

The Macclesfield closure is not the first announced by Poundland in recent months.

The discounter pulled down the shutters on a store in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, just last month, after taking it on from failed chain Wilko last year.

Poundland bought 71 ex-Wilko stores when the retailer fell into administration last year.

The discounter re-branded the locations and opened many up before Christmas.

But since then, several have closed down, including in Ellesmere Port, Galashiels, Scotland, and the Sailmakers Shopping Centre in Ipswich.

In total, Poundland has shut down nine former Wilko locations just months after bringing them back to life.

However, despite the nine closures, it still means Poundland has massively grown its presence on the high street in recent months.

It is also normal for retailers to open and close branches in different areas depending on customer demand.

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.

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