‘Greatest sorrow’ as high street outdoor retailer with 100 stores announces branch closure
A HIGH street retailer with 100 UK stores has expressed the “greatest sorrow” after announcing one of its branches will close for good.
Millets, known for its outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, is pulling down the shutters on its Mansfield branch.
The store will welcome loyal customers in for the last time on Saturday, October 14.
The retailer announced the news on its Instagram page.
It said: “It is with the greatest sorrow we will be closing our doors for trade on Saturday 14th October 2023.
It continued: “We would like to take this time to thank every customer for shopping with us and the support we have had during this rocky time.
“We hope to see you soon.”
Customers looking to make any exchanges or get refunds after October 14 are being urged to visit either the GO Outdoors branch in Chesterfield or Blacks stores in Nottingham.
It comes after the Millets store in Inverness recently launched a closing down sale with 30% off all stock.
Devastated shoppers took to social media to share their disappointment, with one calling the closure “a tragedy”.
Another added: “That’s a shame, staff in there were so amazing and friendly.”
Millets isn’t the only retailer closing stores as a number of others struggle financially.
In recent years shoppers have been increasingly turning to online shopping.
High inflation since 2022 has meant consumers have less expendable money and are holding off from leisure purchases too.
This, combined with high energy costs, has led to a number of businesses closing stores.
Argos, Iceland and House of Fraser all closed a number of stores during the summer.
Meanwhile, some companies have gone bust entirely this year, including Cath Kidston and Paperchase.
But it’s not all bad news – a number of retailers have been expanding.
B&M, Poundland and Primark are all opening stores within days.
The Original Factory Shop and bulk seller Costco are also opening branches in the coming weeks and months.
In other shopping news, B&M has slashed the price of a coffee machine to just £1.
Plus, shoppers have been rushing to the retailer to pick up pizza ovens for just £5.
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