‘We understand this is unsettling’ says iconic high street chain as it confirms store to shut in days after 79 closures
AN iconic high street chain is set to shut another store in days after already closing down 79 locations.
Argos is shutting down its Festival Park location in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, February 24.
The retailer announced in July last year plans to close 100 UK branches over the next 12 months.
The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
An Argos spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that the Festival Park closure was part of the “plan to transform Argos and offer even more convenient ways to shop”.
The retailer plans to reduce the number of standalone Argos stores while opening more Argos stores and collection points within Sainsbury’s.
The spokesperson added: “We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected and we have been supporting our colleagues in every way we can, including exploring opportunities to redeploy within Argos and Sainsbury’s.”
Locals have been reacting to the news of the loss of the store on social media.
One person said: “I hope this is not the decline of Argos.”
Another added: “There is going to be no shops open.”
While a third said: “Nobody gives Arogs a second thought since they got rid of the catalogue.”
Last year the high street retailer closed 42 UK shops, including all 34 of its branches in the Republic of Ireland in June.
The company blamed the closure of the Republic of Ireland stores on the investment required to develop and modernise the Irish part of its business as “not viable”.
By March this year, Sainsbury’s expects to have 160 standalone stores and between 430 and 460 Argos counters inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
Argos is not the only retailer making significant changes to its business model.
Pharmacy chain Boots has been streamlining its store portfolio and shutting down some of its town centre branches.
Marks and Spencer has also been closing down some of its locations, however, it has been opening up new locations too.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The high street is almost unrecognisable compared to what it once was with some locals describing their town as more like a “ghost town.”
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the increasing cost of living, with high rents and bills making it impossible to survive.
Shoppers no longer have the cash to splash like they used to with many just managing to get by after paying for essentials.
Last year popular retailers such as Wilko fell into administration and vanished from the high street for good.
Fans were left devastated over the demise of the discounter, however, it does look like the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range snapped up the website and brand name last year and has since started to open up some new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and opening dates of a further two locations have recently been revealed.
Stores are set to open in St Albans and Rotherham on Good Friday, March 29 at 9am.
Meanwhile, it is not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect but administrators for the high street stalwart said it is looking to “secure the brand’s future” with the restructure.
Troubled fashion brand Superdry is also looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
Also, B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.
See the full list of shops opening on the high street in our round-up.