Major bargain chain with over 850 branches to close high street store as shoppers cry ‘terrible decision’
A MAJOR bargain chain with more than 850 branches has announced the closure of one of its stores leaving shoppers devastated.
Loyal customers have said it’s a “terrible decision” as they flock to social media to share their disappointment.
Poundland on Freeman Street in Grimsby has been a prime spot for bargain hunters to find cheap deals but it will now close on July 2.
The store opened just seven months ago in November and replaced a longstanding Wilko store.
A spokesperson for the chain confirmed the closure and told The Sun: “We’ve been unable to secure a long term lease that would enable us to keep trading which is disappointing.
“As you know, whenever we have to close a store, we do all we can to look for other opportunities for colleagues.”
A large sign on the window of the Grimsby store reads: “Sorry. We’re closing 2nd July. Visit our website for other nearby stores. Poundland.co.uk.”
One local wrote on Facebook: “Terrible decision,” and added: “Now the poor staff are jobless again, some which had been made redundant less than a year ago from Wilko.”
A third agreed saying: “So sad I feel so sorry for the staff, while a fourth penned: “Gutted it’s closing.”
Another expressed frustration at the stores short-lived existence writing: “It’s only just bl****opened!”
It comes as another Poundland store on George Street in the Stamford Quarter shut up shop.
Locals have cried out at the latest blow.
One person on Facebook wrote: “Such a shame,” while a second penned: “The rents need lowering to attract and keep stores.”
A third said: “How sad.”
And a shocked fourth commented: “Blimey it only opened recently.”
Signs went up in May to say: “Sorry. We’re closing on 17th June. Visit our website for other nearby stores.”
A spokesperson for Poundland said the firm had been unable to agree a new lease with the landlord.