Store closings

POUNDLAND has confirmed the full list of 12 more store closures amid a massive restructuing.

Sites across Canterbury, Coventry and Brigg have been named as destinations due to shut.

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Poundland’s retail director Darren MacDonald said:“While our anticipated network of around 650-700 stores remains sizeable, it is of course, sincerely that we’re closing a number of stores to allow us to get us back on track.

“We entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when a store nearby, closes but we look forward to continuing to welcome them to one of our other locations.

“Work is underway to with colleagues through a formal consultation process in stores scheduled to close, exploring any suitable alternative roles.”

You can check out the full list of closures here:

• Brigg: Cary Lane, Brigg, DN20 8EY
• Canterbury: Unit 2A, Marshwood Close Retail Park, Canterbury, CT1 1DX
• Coventry: 63 Hertford Street, Coventry, CV1 1LB
• Newcastle: Unit 15-18, Killingworth Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE12 6YT
• Kings Heath: 74-76 High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JZ
• Peterborough: Unit 19, Orton Gate Shopping Centre, PE2 5TD
• Peterlee: 32 Yoden Way, Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, SR8 1AL
• Rainham: 12 Rainham Shopping Centre, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 7HW
• Salford: Unit C Regent Retail Park, Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3TP
• Sheldon: 2192 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3JE
• Wells: 27-29 High Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2AA
• Whitechapel: Units 2-5, 75 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1DU

AFTER nearly three decades of trading, a popular House of Fraser store is set to close.

The department store in Victoria Centre, Nottingham, which first opened in 1997, will roll down the shutters in October this year.

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It’s bittersweet news for shoppers, who have been treated to a 20 percent off sale inside the store.

The once-thriving shopping hub was nearly shut in 2022 after Fraser Group chief exec Michael Murray described the brand as a “broken business”.

At the time, he said: “House of Fraser was a broken business when we bought it.

“We’ve completely changed the operating model. It was mostly concession, the stores were way too big, they were under‑invested.

“Our future vision is that House of Fraser will diminish and Frasers will grow.”

Once boasting more than 60 stores across the UK, the department store has steadily shuttered locations since its 2018 acquisition by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group.

Between 2022 and 2025 alone, over a dozen sites—including flagship locations like Oxford Street and regional mainstays in Cardiff, Cheltenham, and Nottingham—have closed their doors.

The closures reflect a deeper failure to adapt to a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Many of its stores were oversized and heavily reliant on concessions—third-party brands renting space—which offered little control over stock or customer experience.

Frasers Group is now repositioning itself around a new retail vision, investing in smaller-format “Frasers” stores and upmarket lifestyle hubs, with sport and luxury offerings as its focus.

The Sun has approached House of Fraser representatives for comment.

House of Fraser is just one brand struggling against recent economic pressures and changes in consumer habits.

A combination of rising inflation, energy costs, and interest rates has squeezed both household spending and business margins, creating a perfect storm for retail operators.

For many consumers, essentials have taken priority over discretionary purchases, leading to a noticeable decline in footfall and in-store spending.

Even major players with established reputations have found themselves forced to close stores, reduce staff, or pivot entirely toward e-commerce.

This comes as Poundland bosses implemented a series of closures this year after the business was hit by spiraling operating costs and weakening footfall.

In Cornwall, one Poundland was evicted from one of its locations – leaving staff locked out of work overnight.

The budget chain was kicked out of its store on Fore Street in St Austell, CornwallLive reported.

A bizarre notice was also posted in the window of the popular store.

It read: “We as authorised agents acting on behalf of the above-named landlord have today re-entered these premises and any lease or licence is hereby determined.

“Any attempt to enter these premises without the written authority of the above-named landlord will result in criminal/civil proceedings being taken.”

A Poundland spokesperson confirmed that the locks were changed overnight without notice.

A UK airport has closed for good after 95 years to make may for thousands of homes – despite fears the area is “contaminated”.

The privately-run airport shut on June 6 after a developer served notice on the operator of the site.

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The Vistry Group, which owns Tollerton Airfield In Nottingham, plans to build 1,600 homes and a school at the site.

Home to Nottingham City Airport and a number of other businesses, the site also provides a landing zone for the air ambulance.

Vistry served notice on operator Truman Aviation to vacate the site, but said it would continue to provide a landing zone for the air ambulance during the initial phase of development.

The site’s closure follows a year-long battle from campaigners against Vistry.

Campaigners believe that more than 1,200 aircraft containing radioactive materials were burnt and buried at the ex-RAF base leading to contamination.

Concerns were raised after campaigners found evidence that the ex-RAF base in Nottinghamshire had been used after the Second World War to dismantle hundreds of Lancaster Bombers and other aircraft that contained glow-in-the-dark dials made out of radium -226.

Site owner Brian Wells, who was sent notice to vacate the area in March, previously said developers were “determined to have everywhere shut down for when they came to planning”.

“We agreed we’d have two to five years here before they would take over,” he told NottinghamshireLive. “They even suggested they could keep one runway open for us.

“But the main board of developers say they’ve had enough of all these people protesting and decided to shut it down sooner rather than later.”

He added that “it’s very sad” how things have developed much quicker than hoped for, and said the closure will mean “numerous redundancies”.

The airfield dates back to the 20th century, when it was home to several flying clubs, and then as a commercial airport until the late 1940s.

During World War 2 it was acquired by the Air Ministry and became RAF Tollerton.

What would happen if the site is contaminated?

Campaigners for the airport have referred to other cases where ex-RAF airfields like Tollerton were used as “burn, bash, and bury” sites and then deemed potentially hazardous.

If the grounds were disturbed, an extensive clean-up process would have to be done.

An example of this is Dalgety Bay, Fife, Scotland, a stretch of coastline used for the same purposes as Tollerton AIrfield.

Traces of radium-226 found in the ground required a two-year clean-up project at the site. Other examples include RAF Newton, RAF Carlisle and RAF Kinloss.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our Environment Agency officers advised Rushcliffe Borough Council (the planning authority) in May 2024 that a condition of planning permission is that developers have a plan in place to identify and deal with the risks associated with potential contaminants.

“In addition, we have advised that the site will need to be assessed for potential contaminants at routine stages as the development progresses.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council has confirmed applications for the site include initial land contamination assessments.

A spokesperson for Rushcliffe Borough Council said: “We are aware of the previous uses of the wider site, including the airfield and the potential for land contamination associated with these uses.

“Both current applications for the site include initial land contamination assessments”.

PIZZA Hut is rolling out new digital ordering screens across all 136 of its dine-in restaurants, a move that could make over 100 staff members redundant.

The pizza chain, which employs 3,000 staff, is set to cut 120 front-end roles as part of the shake-up.

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The new terminals at the front of restaurants will make it quicker for customers to order.

A letter to staff at risk of redundancy said: “Over the coming months we are introducing new customer-facing technologies across our restaurants, including digital ordering through QR codes and the installation of in-store kiosks.

“These changes are designed to enhance the customer experience and allow guests to be more self-sufficient when dining with us.”

Other chains such as Wetherspoons and Nando’s have already installed similar screens or offer QR code ordering from the table. 

Emily Curtis from DC London Pie, which owns Pizza Hut UK’s dine-in restaurants, explained that the decision to cut jobs is due to more than 60% of in-store orders now being placed digitally.

She said the company has invested heavily in new technologies to keep up with changing customer preferences.

“As part of this journey, we are adapting our staffing model, particularly in our front-of-house teams,” she added.

“While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to ensure we continue meeting customer expectations and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

“We are committed to supporting affected team members and will work closely with those impacted to help them find new opportunities within the wider Pizza Hut network.”

The dine-in arm of the restaurant was rescued by private equity firm Directional Capital, which created DC London Pie Ltd to take over the franchise.

It saved 3,000 jobs and saw the closure of one restaurant.

It is separate to the delivery side of the chain, which is owned by Yum! Brands, the US firm that owns KFC. 

Pizza Hut first arrived in the UK in 1973 and quickly became a favourite with diners.

At its height, the chain operated over 260 restaurants nationwide, employing 10,000 staff and welcoming three million customers each month.

Some of its most notable creations include the introduction of the pan pizza in 1980, the stuffed crust in 1995, and the re-launch of the pan pizza as the grand pan in 1998.

Pan pizzas are baked in a deep, oil-coated dish, giving the crust a deliciously crispy, golden edge and a lightly fried texture on the bottom.

Like many businesses, Pizza Hut faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. 

To manage its financial difficulties, the company entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) – a deal with lenders to cut costs and stay afloat.

At the time, Pizza Hut had over 240 locations across the UK but was forced to close 29 branches as part of the restructuring plan.

HOSPITALITY WOES

The hospitality sector has struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, facing challenges including soaring energy bills, inflation and staff shortages.

In January 2023, Byron Burger fell into administration with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Around 12 branches were saved in a rescue deal with Tristar Foods, which is owned by Calveton.

The Restaurant Group (TRG), which owned Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Wagamama, shut dozens of sites in the same year.

It then went on to sell its Frankie & Bennys and Chiquito brands to Cafe Rouge owner The Big Table group in September 2023.

Italian restaurant chain Prezzo also closed dozens of sites in the same year.

In April 2024, Tasty, the owners of Italian restaurant Wildwood and Dim T, a pan-Asian restaurant, announced plans to exit 20 loss-making restaurants.

In the same month, Whitbread revealed plans to slash its chain of branded restaurants across the UK.

Meanwhile, TGI Fridays was forced to close 35 locations immediately after falling into administration last October.

However, 51 restaurants were rescued through a last-minute pre-pack deal with private equity firms Breal Capital and Calveton UK.

SUPERMARKET chain Iceland is closing two stores starting in days as shoppers share their devastation.

The frozen food specialist is shutting a location in Margate on the Kent coast on June 21.

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Meanwhile, a further branch will close for good in Inverness, Scotland, on July 12.

The retailer said in a statement that staff at both sites have been offered roles at surrounding stores “where possible”.

But news of the closures has still been met with heartbreak from locals and shoppers.

One, posting on Facebook about the Margate closure, said: “Margate is losing everything bit by bit.”

Another added: “Can the town centre get any worse with empty buildings.”

Commenting on the Inverness branch shutting, one shopper said: “Very sad to hear this news.”

Another chipped in: “I’m so gutted.”

The closure of the Inverness branch means there will no longer be any Iceland stores in the Scottish city.

The nearest Iceland store will be in Aberdeen while there is a Food Warehouse, run by Iceland, in Inverness’s Telford Street.

It’s not the first store closure made by Iceland in the past few months.

It pulled down the shutters permanently on its site in Welling at the start of the year.

A site in Borehamwood and another in Exeter permanently shut around the same time.

The latest closures means Iceland has shut more than 20 stores since the start of 2023.

It’s worth bearing in mind retailers often shut branches in underperforming areas and open them where they think they’ll get more footfall and sales.

For example, it’s not all bad new for Iceland as in 2024 it announced plans to open more of its Food Warehouse format stores across the UK.

Food Warehouse stores, run by the Iceland Foods Group, are generally larger than Iceland shops and usually found in retail parks.

OTHER RETAIL CLOSURES

The retail sector has struggled in recent years due to the onset of online shopping and lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.

Higher inflation since 2022 has also hit shoppers’ budgets while businesses have struggled with higher wage, tax and energy costs.

The Centre for Retail Research has described the sector as going through a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crash.

Figures from the Centre also show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.

This was the highest number of stores affected in a calendar year since the Centre started collecting this data in 2007.

On top of these more than 7,500 stores, over 11,000 independent shops closed in 2024.

This is in addition to almost 7,800 independent stores that closed in 2023.

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A BELOVED cafe that served customers classic English breakfasts for nine years has been forced to close due to the cost of living.

The owner said it is “impossible to carry on” in the current climate.

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Traditional cafe Deb’s Diner in Birmingham posted the sad update on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that Deb’s Diner has closed it doors for the very last time.

“Due to ill health and the current cost of living crisis, it has become impossible to carry on so we have decided not to renew our lease.

“We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support over the last nine years, it’s been a wonderful journey.”

Customers commented to express their sadness and to send best wishes.

It comes after the Chancellor’s hike to national insurance contributions and minimum wage for firms kicked in at the start of April.

The NI rise has hit investment, recruitment and prices.

Businesses were dealt the £25 billion ‘Jobs tax’ raid at the Budget with the increased contributions as confidence among entrepreneurs taking a hit.

From April 6, businesses  have to pay a higher rate of employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) of 15% from 13.8%.

The threshold at which they are paid is also being lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.

The Government confirmed it was making the changes in its Autumn Budget last October in a bid to increase revenue.

It also said the move meant it wasn’t increasing taxes for working people.

However, it will have an impact on shoppers and everyday consumers as businesses look to pass on the additional costs.

Figures show that almost a third of businesses affected by the hike are planning to cut jobs or freeze hiring.

It comes on the back of 160,000 part-time retail jobs are on the cusp of going in the next two years due to a rise in Labour costs.

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THE Original Factory Shop has launched a closing down sale at yet another store.

A branch in Heswall is the latest store to announce its closure, leaving shoppers heartbroken.

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The Merseyside branch has launched closing down sale to help shift stock before it shutters for good.

Shoppers have a chance to grab up to 70% off selected lines, and 50% off electrical products.

The Henswell store opened two years ago in June 2023.

The exact date the store is closing has not yet been confirmed but The Sun will update this piece when we hear more.

Up to 11 TOFS stores are already to set to close this month, including sites across Worcestershire, Durham and Cumbria .

Meanwhile, another five stores across Nairn, Market Drayton, Troon, Blairgowrie and Castle Douglas have been placed up for sale.

The Original Factory Shop has told The Sun that negotiations are ongoing with landlords – making it unclear whether these shops will remain open.

It comes as part of a major restructuring carried out by new owner Modella Capital with a number of loss making stores having to close as result.

Over June nine of these stores will close, including sites in Dorest and Durham.

Another site in Middlewich is also set to close however a date is yet to be confirmed.

You can see the full list of store closures here:

• Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26
• Perth – June 28
• Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28
• Arbroath, Angus – June 28
• Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28
• Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28
• Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28
• Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28
• Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28
• Staveley, Cumbria – July 12
• Middlewich – TBC
• Heswall – TBC

The following stores are also up for sale:

• Nairn
• Market Drayton
• Troon
• Blairgowrie
• Castle Douglas

What’s been happening with The Original Factory Shop?

Private equity firm Modella bought The Original Factory Shop back in February and has since launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 TOFS stores.

Modella is known for picking up struggling retailers, having also recently acquired Hobbycraft and WHSmith‘s high street shops.

It is set to rebrand all WHSmith high street stores to TGJones, and has brought in advisers to look at potential options for Hobbycraft.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for TOFS.

Companies often use CVAs to prevent insolvency, which could otherwise result in store closures or the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different strategies such as negotiating reduced rent rates with landlords.

TOFS previously told The Press and Journal that a “number of loss-making stores will have to close” as part of the restructuring.

It said at the time: “Closing stores is always a tough decision and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible.

And it is not only TOFS that is facing hard times. Hobbycraft is set to close nine stores come June 21.

A MAJOR fashion chain is preparing to close another store ahead of a restructuring which has placed up to 230 stores at risk.

River Island will shutter a branch in Banbury on June 28, giving customers just a few days to say their goodbyes.

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A social media post revealed the tragic news, with locals in the area branding the move as “depressing”.

One resident of the area said: “Soon won’t be any big shops open in Banbury, getting like a ghost town.”

Another shopper added: “If people stopped buying online it wouldn’t happen.”

While a third added: “Gutted…..love River Island.”

The fashion brand, which has been sported by Paris Fury and Cat Deeley, has quietly closed a number of stores in the past few months.

A branch in Willows Place, Corby closed in April and a separate site in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield closed in the same month.

The Sun has contacted River Island for a comment.

News of the closure comes days after it was revealed that up to 230 of the retailer’s stores are at risk.

The retailer is set to undergo a restructuring due to tough trading conditions.

The owners of River Island have brought in advisers from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to come up with money-saving solutions, reports Sky News.

The proposals are expected to be finalised in a matter of weeks, though sources have reportedly claimed no decisions have been approved on the retailer’s future.

Accounts for River Island Clothing Co for the year ending December 30 2023 showed the firm made a £33.2million pre-tax loss.

Then the turnover during the following 12 months fell by more than 19% to £578.1million.

In January, River Island hired consulting firm, AlixPartners, to undertake work on cost reductions and profit improvement.

However it is now understood PwC has now taken over.

TROUBLE FOR BRITISH FASHION BRANDS

A rise in online shopping coupled with Brits having less money to spend at the till has created problems for fashion brands.

New Look has closed a number of stores in the UK and it’s entire estate in the Republic of Ireland.

Bosses at the women’s fashion brand have blamed hikes to National Insurance for the move.

Earlier this year, Select Fashion closed 35 branches across the UK after it entered into liquidation.

Ted Baker was also forced to close over 30 stores last year after it went bust.

HOBBYCRAFT will shut nine stores in days with huge closing down sales launched.

Sites across Bristol, Dunstable, Borehamwood and Basildon are all set to close on June 21, The Sun can reveal.

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A further two sites in Essex and one in Gloucestershire are also set to close, with a site in Kent closing earlier this year.

The impacted stores are part of at least nine Hobbycraft stores that have been earmarked for closure this year.

News of the closures has come as a blow to locals in the area, with Bristol residents describing it as a “shame”.

While another said the store would be missed and they needed to find another “rainy day activity”.

A Kent local said: “Oh noooooo it’s the only one I go to regularly as the rest are too far away!”.

Another resident said they would “need therapy” following news of the closure.

Closing down sales have also been launched across the stores, with up to 70% off on some items.

It comes as new owner Modella Capital is launching an overhaul after buying Hobbycraft in August last year.

Modella also agreed to purchase WHSmith’s high street business earlier this year.

The move is set to impact between 72 and 126 jobs.

It is said the shake-up will help secure the future of 99 stores and around 1,800 jobs across the arts and crafts business.

You can check out the full list of stores earmarked for closure below.

• Canterbury, Kent – closed 
• Basildon, Essex – June 21
• Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – June 21
• Bristol, Imperial Retail Park – June 21
• Dunstable, Bedfordshire – June 21 
• Epping Forest, Essex – June 21
• Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex – June 21
• Cirencester, Gloucestershire  -June 21
• Bagshot, Surrey – June 21

OTHER STORE CLOSURES

Hobbycraft is not the only retailer facing hard times.

Up to 11 Original Factory Shops stores are to set to close this month, including sites across Worcestershire, Durham and Cumbria.

Meanwhile, another five stores across Nairn, Market Drayton, Troon, Blairgowrie and Castle Douglas have been put up for sale.

It comes as part of a major restructuring carried out by new owner Modella Capital with a number of loss-making stores having to close as result.

You can see the full list of store closures here:

• Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26
• Perth – June 28
• Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28
• Arbroath, Angus – June 28
• Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28
• Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28
• Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28
• Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28
• Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28
• Staveley, Cumbria – July 12
• Middlewich – TBC

The following stores are also up for sale:

• Nairn
• Market Drayton
• Troon
• Blairgowrie
• Castle Douglas

It comes after pivate equity firm Modella bought The Original Factory Shop back in February and has since launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 TOFS stores.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for TOFS.

Companies often use CVAs to prevent insolvency, which could otherwise result in store closures or the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different strategies such as negotiating reduced rent rates with landlords.

A HOST of stores are shutting for good this weekend including a historic department store.

Retailers have struggled over recent years as shoppers’ wallets and purses take a hit from high inflation.

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An increase in employer National Insurance contributions and wage costs since April has added to the pressure.

Combined with soaring business rates, energy and rental costs, some retailers have been forced to hike prices and even shut stores.

It’s worth bearing in mind of course that retailers close shops for a host of reasons and not always because of a poor economic backdrop.

Sometimes chains will shut a poorly-performing branch in one area and open another further afield where they think they’ll see better footfall.

Plenty of retailers are moving away from high streets and towards out-of-town retail parks too.

In any case, five shops will shut this weekend including a more than 120-year-old department store.

Here is the full list of shops we know are closing down permanently.

Ginger

Norwich-based Ginger will pull down its shutters for the final time on Saturday.

The shop was founded by David and Rodger Kingsley in 1978 following the success of their sister company Jonathan Trumbull in 1971.

But current store manager Beckie Kingsley said the store will close due to the economic climate and aftermath of Covid-19.

She said: “It’s with truly heavy hearts that, after 46 unforgettable years, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors at our beautiful, beloved and historic Timber Hill home.

“We’ve weathered many storms over the decades, but there’s been ongoing challenges of today’s financial climate – coupled with the lasting impact and huge shifts within the retail landscape since Covid.

“This led us to ask – does it still work for us? After deep reflection, the answer, sadly, is no.”

Daniel of Ealing

Historic department store Daniel of Ealing, in London, will shut for good on Sunday, after opening 124 years ago.

Prices have been slashed across homeware, fashion, toys, sportswear and shoes, with up to 50% off.

Shoppers finding out the iconic shop will close have shared their dismay online.

One posted saying: “Loved this shop and it’s top floor restaurant.”

While another added: “Ealing has lost its heart, soul and uniqueness!”

The Works

Stationer The Works is shutting its Margate store on Sunday, with shoppers’ next nearest branches in Westwood Cross Shopping Centre or Ramsgate Garden Centre.

A spokesperson for the chain said the decision to shut the branch had been made “as part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio”.

The move has been met with sadness by shoppers, with one online stating: “No I love The Works.”

Another dejectedly added: “Be nothing left in the town soon.”

Emporium Worthing

Independent bar and shop Emporium Worthing is closing to the public on Sunday “with a heavy heart”.

The owners posted a lengthy statement on Facebook announcing the closure.

It said: “We share the challenging decision to close Emporium Worthing after five memorable years of serving you.

“This has been a tough choice for us, but after careful reflection, we believe it is the best path forward and the right choice for us at this time.”

A huge closing down sale has been launched to clear stock, even including fixtures and fittings from inside.

It’s not all bad news though as the Emporium will be moving online and selling hardwares.

New Look

New Look is closing its branch in the Northfield Shopping Centre, Birmingham, on June 8.

A picture recently posted on Facebook of the shop window advertised the closure and signposted customers to the retailer’s website.

Customers finding out about the closure have been left gutted.

One posted on Facebook: “Will soon be a ghost town, absolutely nothing left.”

Another commented: “Online (retail) is killing shops.”

A New Look spokesperson said: “We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.

“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”

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Fabulous’ Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts.

I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan.

Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls’ day out we would look forward to all week.

My mum’s favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes.

I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam’s little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island.

I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on.

Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter.

Fashion wasn’t so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams.

At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined.

Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop.

I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me.

One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won!

That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous.

It’s not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the ’90s, they all turned up in one big store.

Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few.

This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer’s signature style.

Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me.

In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs.

Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself!

Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London’s Oxford Street.

I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show.

I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush.

At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki’s legendary brand Biba from Topshop?

High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week.

Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING!

A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed.

Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop’s Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon “Kollection” for Dorothy Perkins.

I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars.

Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn’t look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback.

Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels.

The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop.

The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!

A MAJOR car dealership has suddenly shut down after forty-five years of selling 10,000s of motors.

Customers in Lowestoft, East Suffolk, were shocked by the owner’s statement announcing their closure.

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Stanley Street Motors, run by John Mitchell, has been serving a loyal client base since 1980.

But the boss revealed he will be powering down operations due to health reasons.

In a statement on Facebook, the firm said: “Stanley Street Motors has now ceased trading, due to ill-health and retirement.

“This facebook page is in the process of being closed down, and the automatic updates will shortly cease. Our website will have further details in due course.

“We at Stanley Street Motors want to thank you, our customers and friends, and all our suppliers, contractors and supporters, everyone who bought our cars, liked our posts and recommended us to others.

“For over 40 years we have bought and sold cars from Stanley Street. Over the years we have had tens of thousands of lovely customers, many of whom became, not just repeat customers, but friends.

“We will miss you all. Thank you and goodbye.”

The site will now be up for grabs at auction through Auction House East Anglia, as reported by the Eastern Daily Press.

Bidders will have the opportunity to bag the property on June 18.

A guide price has been listed for anywhere between £200,000 and £300,000.

A spokesperson from the auctioneers said: “Former car sales showroom and forecourt with development potential.

“This showroom with offices and workshop is to be sold vacant and ready for a new operator, or there is potential to change the current use subject to planning.

“The premises has been used successfully for used cars sales and repairs by the current owners for over 40 years but is now being sold due to retirement.

“The premises comprise of a generous showroom, workshop, two offices, presentation suite, kitchen and cloakroom.

“There is a large forecourt for upwards of 30 cars and the premises has three phase electricity and security alarm system.”

This comes as motor dealerships across the UK have been waving goodbye amid a string of devastating closures.

Last month a highly recommended company with excellent reviews shut down suddenly.

The Evans Halshaw location ceased trading quietly with no warning given.

Elsewhere, a pioneering car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles is currently on sale – putting over 100 jobs at risk.

The German online used car marketplace has made heavy losses since opening in the UK in 2019 when it looked to rival Auto Trader and Motors.

Heycar’s majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), have pulled the plug leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France at risk of losing their jobs.

Meanwhile a fellow dealership pulled the shutters down as part of a “brand shift” with staff being moved over to another company.

The Sytner Group sold its former Manchester Carshop site to a used car company.

Shaun Lane, the CEO of Motor Range, announced the move on LinkedIn.

According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK.

The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships.

With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don’t even step foot into a dealership anymore.

Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared.

Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket.

Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors.

The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry.

A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars.

They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050.

The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals.

This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.

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A MUCH-LOVED jewellers is set to close its doors for good after more than 20 years on the high street.

The jewellery shop has launched an ‘everything must go’ sale, ahead of its closure.

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Whittakers Jewellers, which has been a staple of Yarm High Street for 21 years, has confirmed its final day of trading will be Saturday, May 31.

The long-running store first announced its closure back in November, sparking sadness among loyal locals.

Since then, big bold signs have filled the shop windows, shouting about the store’s closing down sale with jewellery fans flocking in for a final bargain.

But now, with the countdown officially on, fresh signs have gone up confirming its last day is just days away.

The store have slashed jewellery prices from as much as 70% off.

The store posted one hot deal to its Facebook, where a diamond ring was slashed from £7,350 to £2,190.

The deal meant shoppers would save a massive £5,000.

The family-run store has thanked customers for their loyalty over the years in a heartfelt Facebook message.

It said: “We are sad we are leaving but we have treasured the 21 years we’ve been here on the High Street.

“We think of our customers as family and friends… we will miss you all.”

Whittakers have built up a massively loyal customer base and is located between the Lucy Pittaway art store and The Keys pub.

Four members of the Evans family have run the business since March 2004.

Bosses of the jewellers told Teesside Live they had expanded over the years – and even opened the first Pandora shop in the country.

But they added they always looked to maintain a “genuine, homey feel”.

Fans of the jewellers say it will leave a huge hole in the town, with one heartbroken shopper writing: “It’ll be such a big loss to the high street and to me.

“I’ve had the pleasure of purchasing so many lovely items over the years”

Another added: “Big loss to Yarm High Street.”

While a third said: “Thank you for your beautiful jewellery and fabulous staff. You will all be greatly missed”

It’s not the only jewellery giant feeling the pinch.

G Hewitt & Son, a 154-year-old jewellers, and one of the UK’s first Rolex retailers, launched a once-in-a-lifetime closing down sale last month.

The shop told followers on Facebook: “Everything must go – don’t miss out on huge savings.”

Meanwhile, The Watches of Switzerland Group – based in Leicestershire – has confirmed it will close 16 showrooms across the country and that 40 people were expected to leave the business.

Similarly, Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its decision to shut up shop.

And loyal customers of Jane Allen Jewellers in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales were left distraught to hear the update and have been mourning the imminent loss.

With more and more historic jewellers disappearing from high streets, Whittakers’ final goodbye will be bittersweet for shoppers in Yarm.

Locals now have just days left to bag a bargain and say farewell to one of the town’s best-loved shops.

RETAIL SECTOR STRUGGLES

Its not just jewellery stores that are suffering to stay open.

The retail industry has faced multiple closures this year, with ocncerns over the British high streets becoming ‘ghost towns’.

It’s worth bearing in mind, larger retail chains often open and close branches based on customer demand and sales.

Sometimes a single store might shut because a lease is ending and the chain has decided it is better to direct cash into other shops or opening new ones.

However, the retail sector more broadly has struggled since the 2008 financial crash.

The Centre for Retail Research has said the industry has been going through a “permacrisis” during this period.

There are a number of reasons the sector is struggling, one being the rise of online shopping.

This has seen footfall to high street stores fall seeing large swathes of branches close across the UK.

Challenging economic conditions in recent years, including soaring inflation, have dented shoppers’ wallets and purses too.

While some bigger retailers have struggled to stay afloat, including Wilko, in recent years independent shops have suffered the most.

The Centre for Retail Research said more than 13,000 high street shops closed in 2024, with over 11,000 of these independents.

YOU may have thumbed through an Argos catalogue over the years, but have you ever stopped to think about the name?

It turns out there is a key reason why the brand has its moniker – and its history is also tied to a popular supermarket too (and it’s not Sainsbury’s).

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The Argos name doesn’t come from its founder – Richard Tompkins – but is taken from the Greek city of Argos.

It was also chosen as it would feature high up in alphabetical brand listings.

The history behind the brand is even more fascinating than the name – and despite the brand now being owned by Sainsbury’s, its early ties were with Tesco.

In the 1960s, the founder of Tesco, Sir Jack Cohen, signed up his grocery store chain to the Green Shield Stamps scheme.

This meant that Tesco customers could get stamps when they bought products at his shop. 

They could then use stamps to buy products at the Green Shield Stamps catalogue stores which were located around the country.

The collaboration proved to be a huge success, and helped Tesco gain loyal customers.

It also helped Green Shield Stamps, who was owned by Richard Tompkins, and also gave him the idea that customers could also use cash to buy products from his catalogue. 

He decided to rebrand Green Shield Stamps as Argos in 1973.

Argos actually lost Tesco as a client around 1977, when they ditched using the Green Shield Stamps scheme and focused on lowering prices across the chain.

In 1979, Argos was purchased by British American Tobacco and stopped issuing stamps entirely.

Just over a decade later, Argos was demerged and floated back on the stock market, but had now become a recognisable household brand.

By 2010, over 20 million copies of the catalogue were printed, with many people buying them ahead of Christmas to choose presents.

While Argos had major ties to Tesco when it was launched, it now is owned by one of its main rivals.

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In April 2016, Argos’ parent Home Retail Group agreed to a £1.4 billion takeover by Sainsbury’s – but the brand has struggled over the past few years.

A large number of the high street Argos stores have closed over the past few years, with many being replaced by an Argos outlet in Sainsbury’s stores.

A spokesperson for Argos previously told The Sun: “The transformation of our Argos store and distribution network has been progressing at pace for several years now, improving availability, convenience and service for customers.

“As part of this, we are continuing to open new Argos stores and collection points in many of our Sainsbury’s supermarkets, enabling customers to purchase thousands of technology, home and toy products from Argos while picking up their groceries.”

HISTORY OF ARGOS

FOUNDED in 1972 by Richard Tompkins, Argos revolutionised the British retail landscape with its unique catalogue-based shopping model.

The first store opened in Canterbury, Kent and quickly expanded, becoming a household name.

Customers could browse the extensive Argos catalogue, fill out a purchase slip, and collect their items from the in-store collection point.

The retailer was sold to British American Tobacco Industries in 1979 for £32million before being demerged and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1990.

In April 1998, the company was acquired by GUS plc.

Throughout the decades, Argos adapted to changing consumer habits, embracing e-commerce early on and launching its website in 1999.

This allowed customers to reserve items online for in-store pick-up, blending the convenience of digital shopping with the immediacy of physical retail.

By 2006, Argos became part of the Home Retail Group which was demerged from its parent GUS plc.

At the time, Home Retail Group also owned Homebase and Habitat.

In 2016, Argos, along with its Home Retail Group sister brand Habitat, was acquired by Sainsbury’s.

Since the acquisition, the Argos brand has been integrated into Sainsbury’s operations, significantly expanding its presence through dedicated concessions within Sainsbury’s supermarkets across the UK.

However, due to declining sales, Sainsbury’s discontinued Argos’ iconic printed catalogue in 2020.

Despite these setbacks, Argos has remained true to its roots, offering a wide range of products from toys and electronics to furniture and jewellery.

A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn’t be happier to see it back.

Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge.

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The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return.

Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics.

The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: “Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe.

“We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.”

News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery.

Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children.

One customer wrote: “So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We’ve really missed it.”

Another added: “Ashford just hasn’t been the same without it. It’s not just the food, it’s the memories that come with it.”

Wimpy, once a major player on the UK’s fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management.

The Ashford branch’s relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years.

The new owners say they’re committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience.

Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting.

Staff say they’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.

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A HUGE coffee chain with more than 1,300 UK branches has shuttered one of its high street shops.

Starbucks abruptly pulled the plug on its coffee house in Headington, Oxford.

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The location on the town’s London Road notified punters that the “shop is now closed” on a store window sign.

The coffee giant first waved in customers in October 2007.

It is unknown why Starbucks decided to close down the location.

Starbucks now has two remaining locations in Oxford, according to its website, which are located on Cornmarket Street and Westgate Shopping Centre.

The Sun Online has reached out to Starbucks for comment.

In April last year, Starbucks announced the closure of one of its Reading cafes, leaving some shoppers “shocked”.

And in March 2024, locals were saddened to hear their Dalton Park store, in Murton, Country Durham, would be closing down in hours.

RETAIL APOCALYPSE

Both independent and industry giants have been struggling with rising costs and reduced footfall over the past few years.

Dozens of shops are set to close across the country before the end of the month in the latest blow to UK high streets.

Just a few months into 2025 and it’s already proving to be another tough year for many major brands.

Rising living costs – which mean shoppers have less cash to burn – and an increase in online shopping has battered retail in recent years.

In some cases, landlords are either unwilling or unable to invest in keeping shops open, further speeding up the closures.

Smiggle isn’t the only stationary shop shutting its doors, more WHSmiths stores are set to close in the next few months.

The huge sports retailer, Sports Direct is axed its Newmarket Road store in Cambridge on April 18.

Whilst, Red Menswear in Chatham in Medway, Kent, shut for the final time on Saturday, March 29, after selling men’s clothing since 1999.

A couple months ago, Essential Vintage told followers on social that it would be closing down after they had been “priced out” because of bigger players in the market such as Vinted.

Jewellery brand Beaverbrooks is also shutting three shops early this month.

New Look bosses made the decision to axe nearly 100 branches as they battle challenges linked to Autumn Budget tax changes.

Approximately a quarter of the retailer’s 364 stores are at risk when their leases expire.

This equates to about 91 stores, with a significant impact on New Look’s 8,000-strong workforce.

It’s understood the latest drive to accelerate closures is driven by the upcoming increase in National Insurance contributions for employers.

The move, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October, is hitting retailers hard – and the British Retail Consortium has predicted these changes will create a £2.3billion bill for the sector.

A POPULAR high street name is set to make a dramatic return 13 years after vanishing from UK towns and cities.

Comet, once a go-to store for electrical goods, is being brought back by online marketplace OnBuy – but this time, it’s going digital.

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The retailer, which closed all 236 of its UK branches in 2012, including popular outlets in Essex, will relaunch as an online-only platform in time for the festive season.

Founded in Hull in 1933, Comet grew from selling batteries and radios into a nationwide electrical giant.

It was a household name for decades, known for its deals on TVs, washing machines, and home appliances, before financial trouble forced it into administration in 2012.

Its collapse was one of the biggest retail failures of the time, with thousands of staff losing their jobs and many shoppers left disappointed.

Now, more than a decade later, there’s fresh hope for fans of the iconic brand.

OnBuy’s boss, Cas Paton, said he’s determined to restore Comet’s former glory.

“I am so excited, so thrilled. Growing up, I went to Comet to get what I needed.

“It was a brand that was close to me personally,” he said.

The relaunch won’t see the return of physical shops, but the digital revival promises a wide range of electronics, from big names to emerging tech brands.

OnBuy plans to use its marketplace model to connect shoppers directly with manufacturers, offering better prices and more variety.

Paton added: “We will be ultra competitive and undercut Currys and Amazon.”

He believes OnBuy’s modern approach and Comet’s strong heritage will help win over UK customers.

A significant portion of the £10 million investment will go towards building the Comet website and boosting its technology.

Around 50 new jobs are expected to be created as part of the relaunch effort.

Paton, who started his first business with just £80 after serving in the Royal Navy, said the brand’s revival is about more than nostalgia.

“We’re not just reviving a name; we’re reimagining what trusted electronics retail looks like in a digital-first economy,” he said.

OnBuy, which launched in 2016 and is now worth around £200 million, hopes to turn Comet into a major online player.

The relaunch comes at a time when more consumers are shopping online and seeking alternatives to big-name retailers.

Shoppers can expect a mix of old and new when Comet returns, with the website promising:

“We’re reviving the brand you love to bring you the best tech, brands, and deals worth waiting for.”

Although the high street stores won’t reopen, many still have fond memories of browsing the aisles at their local Comet.

For those in Essex and beyond, the return of the name, even online, is sure to stir a sense of retail nostalgia.

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A PUB dubbed the “cheapest” in Britain has suddenly shut up shop after 500 years.

Locals have been left shocked after the owners revealed a bizarre reason with a notice on the door.

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The Abbey, Derby, posted the handwritten note on the door saying they were unhappy about photos of it being shared online.

The 22-word notice reads: “Closed!!

“Due to someone posting pictures of the Abbey on social media.

Sam Smith has taken the alcohol and closed these premises.”

Samuel Smith’s Brewery owns the pub and it has been suggested the current landlords had broken policies and were dismissed as a result.

The brewery operates 200 pubs across the UK and is known for it’s strict rules from owner Humphrey Smith.

Such rules include a no-swearing policy, no televisions or jukeboxes and a ban on the use of mobile phones or laptops in its public houses.

Just days prior to the closure, a Facebook account with more than 125,000 followers posted 18 pictures of the pub, inside and out.

The Great British Pub Crawl account, a page run by Dale Harvey and his wife, Holly, follows the couple as they attempt to visit every boozer in the UK.

They posted the photos on Saturday, May 17 alongside the caption: “Not every day you are asked to grab photos or a video in a Sam Smith’s pub.”

It’s not clear whether the post was the reason behind the closure.

The pub is one of the last surviving buildings from an extensive monastery, dating back to the 15th century.

The sudden closure has left locals stunned, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and confusion.

While the brewery has offered no official explanation, insiders suggest the landlords were dismissed for allowing, or failing to prevent, photos of the pub being shared online, a clear breach of company policy.

The closure marks yet another abrupt ending for a Samuel Smith’s venue, following similar shutdowns in Bradford and London, and raises fresh questions about the brewery’s management style and the long-term viability of its rule-heavy model in the digital age.

The Abbey is far from the only British boozer pulling its last pint.

A string of beloved pubs are closing their doors, with punters and landlords alike left heartbroken as pressures in the hospitality industry hit boiling point.

In East London, the historic Gun pub in Homerton has shut down after 160 years of service.

Once a bustling local favourite, the venue was brought back to life in 2014 following a major revamp by landlords Nick Stephens and his partner Hanna-Sinclair Stephens.

Despite surviving the Covid crunch thanks to a heroic crowdfunding campaign that raised over £30,000 in a single day, the couple say the pub has now become “unsustainable”.

“It was hugely popular, but we just couldn’t keep going,” Nick said.

“The capacity was only 90 — the numbers just didn’t add up anymore.”

Meanwhile, in Nottingham, The Emerald, a vibrant Indian pub and sports bar, has also called time, just two years after opening.

Dubbed a “labour of love” by its owners, The Emerald quickly became a community favourite for curry lovers and cricket fans alike.

But behind the scenes, soaring costs and the departure of a key business partner created what they described as “emotional, financial and operational strain”.

In a heartfelt post, they thanked loyal customers:

“The Emerald was always more than just a pub—it was a cultural space… Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”

Social media lit up with tributes from heartbroken regulars. One wrote: “It was more like home to us.

Watching India win the World Cup there was unforgettable.”

And even award-winners haven’t been spared, a Midlands pub, hailed as the region’s best and a finalist for Desi Grill of the Year 2024, has also gone under, despite its short-lived success.

The wave of closures paints a grim picture for the UK pub scene, already battered by the pandemic and now facing soaring prices for rent, business rates and barrels.

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A SERIAL thief has been barred from every Greggs in England and Wales after repeatedly targeting the same bakery in a shameless crime spree.

Patrick Verry, 33, is now forbidden from entering any of the high street baker’s hundreds of branches following a court order brought by the Met Police.

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He was caught in the act last week by officers inside a Greggs shop in Wood Green, North London, after striking the location seven times.

Verry was arrested on the spot and brought before Highbury Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he admitted to six counts of theft from the same Greggs store.

Police described him as one of the capital’s “most prolific shoplifters” — and now he’s banned from every Greggs outlet across the country in a move to protect staff and customers.

The order comes as part of a new Met Police blitz on retail crime amid soaring shoplifting rates nationwide.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s retail crime lead, said: “The Met is focused on tackling the most prolific shoplifters like Verry.

“They cause fear to retail workers and their offending has a negative impact on communities.”

He continued: “We continue to work with local business owners to investigate reports of shoplifting, understand concerns and use different tactics to crackdown, including targeted operations and regular patrols.”

The ban on Verry comes as The Sun lifts the lid on the true scale of the shoplifting crisis crippling British high streets.

Our undercover investigation found Greggs shops across the country being stripped of stock in broad daylight, with some stores experiencing a theft every 20 minutes.

At one busy location in South London, a thief was seen stuffing doughnuts and drinks into his pockets before barging past staff and walking out unfazed.

In another shocking clip filmed in Tooting, a brave female Greggs manager tried to stop a thief who was carrying several bottles of Coca-Cola.

She shouted: “You’re not having all of that,” as the crook tried to leave.

He coolly replied: “Yeah I’m walking out with them, watch me.”

Customers looked on in silence, too scared to step in. A witness said: “There were two grown men just stood by the tills.

“Everyone was just silent.

“No one said a word. People are just afraid now.”

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The Met later confirmed it was not alerted to the Tooting incident, which happened in August, highlighting just how many shoplifting cases go unreported.

Our reporters saw similar scenes play out in branches from Newcastle to Brighton, with thieves helping themselves to hot food, drinks and sandwiches without even trying to hide it.

In Stockwell, South London, one man was caught on camera filling his coat with products before grabbing two boxes of jam doughnuts worth £3 each and fleeing during the lunchtime rush.

In Worthing, West Sussex, two men repeatedly walked in and out of Greggs helping themselves to hot food from the display cabinets.

On Brighton’s Queen’s Road, one crook walked off with two trays of wedges in front of a stunned staff member. “Average day,” the employee said when asked about it.

Minutes later, another thief ran out with two trays of wedges and a sandwich, while yet another masked man sprinted off carrying food as helpless staff shouted after him.

In Southampton, a man entered just after midday, grabbed four hot food items and said: “Sorry guys, I’m homeless, I need to eat,” before walking straight out the door.

In many cases, Greggs staff are told not to intervene directly with thieves for safety reasons.

One insider told us: “They’ve been told not to chase anyone, not to engage. It’s heartbreaking for the team.”

Astonishingly, just 350 people have been prosecuted for stealing from Greggs in the last six months.

Of those, only 111 received immediate or suspended jail time — and most had long criminal records.

Greggs has started introducing extra security measures in stores hit hardest by crime.

That includes removing self-serve fridges, placing chilled food behind the till, and trialling bouncers in some branches.

One staff member said: “It’s like we’re on the front line. You’re trying to sell sausage rolls but you’re looking over your shoulder constantly.”

Greggs boss Roisin Currie confirmed the company is now using facial recognition technology to catch thieves and pass images to police.

“We’ve now got a system where we can take photos of people committing theft on the shop floor and that then instantly goes to the police,” she told The Sun.

The bakery chain is also investing in body cameras for workers and running trials with a 24-hour shoplifting helpline.

A Greggs spokeswoman said: “Shoplifting is an industry-wide issue and we take it extremely seriously.

The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our absolute priority.”

Politicians have backed The Sun’s investigation.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This is an important and timely investigation from The Sun, exposing just how bad the shoplifting epidemic has become.

“There has to be consequences for this appalling criminality.”

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson added: “Retail workers should never feel unsafe at work. That is why we’re taking robust action to tackle shop theft and protect workers.”

She confirmed new laws are coming under the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which will create a specific offence for assaulting shop staff and scrap the £200 threshold that previously gave low-level shoplifters “effective immunity.”

Meanwhile, the Met has released dramatic new footage showing suspects sprinting from stores clutching bottles, sandwiches and snacks as part of a wider crackdown on repeat retail offenders.

And police chiefs say they’re not stopping with Verry, more bans could be coming for other prolific shoplifters as efforts ramp up to restore order on Britain’s battered high streets.

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MILLIONS of bank customers face being left stranded after a damning report revealed 6,000 branch closures over the past decade.

A whopping 13million customers used bank branches last year, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

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The data shows that most users remain “reliant on bank branches for essential services,” despite the move toward online banking.

The FCA report revealed that an eye-watering 9.7million people visited a specific site at least once a month.

Experts fear that the trend of branch closures will leave customers stranded with around 3.3million account holders never banked online.

Around 63 per cent of those are over the age of 85, which raises further concern, according to the FCA.

The report also found that people from low-income households – as well as those with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or HIV — were less likely to engage with digital banking.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to maintain their independence.”

The main reasons people avoided online banking were concerns about security and a preference for speaking to someone face-to-face.

A staggering 21 per cent of account holders surveyed said their regular bank branch had closed.

Consumer group, Which?, showed that more than 6,000 branches have shut in the past decade.

Jenny Ross, money editor at Which? said: “As the UK’s bank branch network continues to be cut to the bone, more people are finding it difficult to access banking services.”

 Former pensions minister Ros Altmann added: ‘Millions of British citizens cannot and do not use online or mobile banking, and indeed don’t even have a smartphone.

Despite the rising bank closures, Nationwide has committed to keeping all of its branches open until 2028.

The major bank has seen the number of customers rise by 4 per cent, which appears to be partly driven by other bank closures.

Which bank branches are closing in June?

Halifax:

• Bitterne: 400/402 Bitterne Road SO18 5RS – June 9
• Bournemouth: 335/337 Wimborne Road BH9 2EA – June 4
• Felixstowe: 85 Hamilton Road IP11 7BQ – June 2
• Fleetwood: 4 Poulton Street FY7 6LR – June 22
• Gainsborough: 32 Lord Street DN21 2DQ – June 2
• Launceston: 1 Southgate Street PL15 9DP – June 3
• Leek: 16 Derby Street ST13 5AB – June 4
• Letchworth: 1 Commerce Way SG6 3DN – June 3
• Littlehampton: 68 High Street BN17 5EA – June 23
• London (North West): 469 Kingsbury Road NW9 9ES – June 2

Bank of Scotland:

• Bathgate: 50 Hopetoun Street EH48 4EU – June 30
• Cowdenbeath: 349/351 High Street KY4 9QJ – June 24
• Linlithgow: Regent Centre Blackness Road EH49 7HU – June 23

Lloyds:

• Alcester: Stratford Road B49 5AX – June 25
• Ashbourne: Compton DE6 1DY – June 24
• Dorchester: 1-2 High West Street DT1 1UG – June 19
• Launceston: 13 Broad Street PL15 8AG – June 3
• Liverpool: 188-190 Breck Road L5 6PX – June 4

Over the rest of the year, another 40 branches are closing.

These include locations in Bristol, London, Bolton, Edinburgh and Coventry.

Here is the full list…

Halifax:

Barrow-in-Furness: 133-135 Dalton Road LA14 1HZ – September 10
Bexleyheath: 131 Broadway DA6 7HF – October 23
Blackpool: 283/287 Lytham Road FY4 1DP – October 29
Bolton: 23/27 Knowsley Street BL1 2DG – November 20
Brentwood: 12 High Street CM14 4AE – September 10
Bristol: 15 Kings Chase Shopping Centre BS15 8LP – October 8
Carmarthen: 121/122 Lammas Street SA31 3AE – October 6
Castleford: 68 Carlton Street WF10 1DB – September 8
Cirencester: 10/12 Cricklade Street GL7 1JH – September 25
Crewe: The Market Centre CW1 2HU – October 14
Derby: 39 East Street DE1 2BL – October 23
Epsom: 51-52 The Ashley Centre KT18 5DB – September 15
Erdington: 221 High Street B23 6SS – September 24
Folkestone: 70-72 Sandgate Road CT20 2AA – October 9
Hayes: 45/47 Station Road UB3 4HH – October 6
Hexham: 20 Priestpopple NE46 1XH – November 5
Hove: 86/87 George Street BN3 3YE – October 20
London (South East): 165/169 Eltham High Street SE9 1TT – October 29
London (South East): 9-13 Powis Street SE18 6HZ – October 1
London (South West): 6 St Johns Hill SW11 1RU – September 23

Bank of Scotland:

Edinburgh: 206 St John’s Road EH12 8SH – October 29

Lloyds:

Biggleswade: 35 High Street SG18 0JD – November 5
Blandford: 6 Market Place DT11 7EE – November 10
Bristol: 16 Highridge Road BS13 8HA – November 6
Bury: 45 The Rock BL9 0JP – October 21
Chard: 27 Fore Street TA20 1PS – November 11
Coventry: 531 Foleshill Road CV6 5JN – November 4
Dunstable: 12 High Street North LU6 1JY – November 4
East Grinstead: 1/3 London Road RH19 1AH – November 12
Fakenham: 27 Norwich Street NR21 9AH – July 1
Falmouth: 11-12 Killigrew Street TR11 3RA – November 13
Feltham: 40 The Centre TW13 4AX – November 4
Ferndown: 84 Victoria Road BH22 9JB – November 17
Hexham: Priestpopple NE46 1PA – November 5
Kidderminster: 1 Vicar Street DY10 1DE – October 16
Leeds: 1 Cross Gates Centre LS15 8ET – August 20
Leeds: 52 Town Street LS12 3AE – September 8
Leominster: 9 Corn Square HR6 8LT – November 18
London (East): 180 – 182 High Street E17 7JH – October 22
London (South West): 12 Mitcham Road SW17 9ND – October 8
Loughton: 11 The Broadway IG10 3SW – November 12
Manchester: 64 Old Church Street M40 2JF – November 5

Since June 2022, Lloyds Banking Group has shut 537 bank branches across its three brands.

It has previously said all workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company.

UK banks and building societies have closed about 6,293 branches since January 2015, according to research by Which?.

This works out as almost two branches shutting every day for the past decade.

Barclays is the individual bank that has reduced its network the most, with 1,227 branch closures.

What to do if your local bank is set to close

If your nearest branch is closing, you should still be able to access banking services without going to another town.

For example you could check if there is a Post Office near you.

Here you’ll be able to do basic banking tasks, although you won’t be able to open a new bank account or take out personal loans or mortgages.

You can find your nearest Post Office branch by visiting postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.

Many banks also offer a mobile banking service where they bring a bus to your area that offers services you can usually get at a physical branch.

Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.

You may want to contact your bank to see what mobile services they have available.

Another option is to check if there’s a super ATM near you.

These have been rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.

These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.

Banking hubs are also being opened across the country with 250 set to be available by the end of 2025.