SHOPPERS have been left devastated after a popular shoe retailer announced it will pull down the shutters on one of its stores.
Office, a high-street favourite shoe chain, is set to close its only branch in Bournemouth.
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Office Shoes on Old Christchurch Road, the retailer’s only branch in Bournemouth, announced the sad news with a sign.
A store assistant from the Bournemouth branch confirmed that Office Shoes on Old Christchurch Road will close permanently.
The site will officially shut down on September 7.
Just weeks ago the branch put up signs on its front door that read: “Everything must go. Unfortunately, our Bournemouth store is closing.”
“However, you can still visit us online for all the hottest footwear brands.”
Office was founded in London back in 1981 and currently operates over 100 locations globally, around 80 of which are in the UK.
The shoe retailer has not announced the reason behind the shop closure.
Many high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
Meanwhile, Clarks has announced the closure of yet another location within weeks.
The footwear chain is closing its branch in Gowthorpe, Selby, local news reports.
Clarks said the site, labelled “amazing” by shoppers, will be shutting in mid-September.
The retailer thanked local shoppers for their support over the years.
It said: “We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at these stores, and we’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in York, Monks Cross and Wakefield.”
The shock closure has left several local customers devastated, although the trader maintains over 300 branches nationwide.
The Clarks shop in the North Yorkshire town will be shutting its doors on September 14.
Shoppers have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the closure, saying they’re “sad to see it go”.
Locals have spoken highly of the chain on Google reviews in the past.
One said: “Was very impressed by the service to fit my daughter’s shoes.
“Felt that the lady took time to try different sizes to get the right ones for her. Very happy!!”
A second wrote: “Excellent shop due to the amazing staff. We came out with 9 pairs of shoes.
“Staff couldn’t have been more accommodating.”
Another commented: “Really good shoe shopping experience. Fantastic customer service from two really helpful ladies.
“All a perfect example of why we need high street shops.”
The sad news comes just days after the popular retailer announced that its shop in St Helier is shutting on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Most recently, the chain announced the closure of a branch in March, in Cambridgeshire.
The popular retailer also confirmed that its shop on King Street in the capital St Helier shut on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Clarks pulled down the shutters on its branch in Stroud, Gloucestershire, on June 10.
Clarks shut down its location on Marlborough’s High Street on April 22, leaving locals without a dedicated shoe shop in the area.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
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.