Clarks
The shoe shop giant will start the month by closing one of its stores today, June 1. Shoppers in Bodmin, Cornwall will see the Fore Street branch close down for good, a spokesperson confirmed.
They said: “We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at the Bodmin store, and we’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in St Austell and Truro. We sincerely thank all members of the store team for their contributions and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.”
It comes as a blow to many loyal customers who have visited the long-standing shop over the years. Google reviews give an insight into the store’s staff and service, with one comment praising the “superb service from the staff”, adding that “nothing [was] too much trouble.”
Clarks has already announced the closures of six other stores this year as part of an ongoing rationalisation program by the retailer.
A second branch in Stroud, Gloucestershire, will also close down on Monday, June 10. A third will follow later this month in Maidenhead, Kent, though an exact date is yet to be confirmed.
Marks and Spencer
A 100-year-old Marks and Spencer store in south London will be axed this month. The shop on Walworth Road will serve its last customer on Saturday, June 8, after 111 years of trading.
The popular store made its debut during the Edwardian Era, 29 years after the first-ever Marks ‘n’ Sparks was founded in Leeds, and one year before the start of World War I. Before becoming a renowned M&S shop, the building was the Rutter Bros drapery store.
Gordon Scott, M&S regional manager commented: “We would like to thank all of our customers who have shopped in the store over the years, who we will keep serving up until closure and beyond that, from our other stores nearby and across London.”
The manager reassured customers that wherever possible, staff will be offered alternative roles within M&S shops.
It comes just days after the retailer confirmed plans to expand its London store offering by opening new sites and revamping existing branches.
WHSmith
The popular stationery brand will bid farewell to its store in Boscombe this month, adding to the number of empty shops in the area. Located at 625 Christchurch Road, the branch has been on the high street for 18 years.
Shoppers in Boscombe will no longer be able to shop at the WHSmith branch from Saturday, June 8.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location, and the decision has been made to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.”
According to an employee at the store, a closing down sale is currently underway ahead of its permanent closures. It includes up to 30 percent off stationery and books.
B&Q
June 8 is a popular day for store closures with B&Q expected to close one of its shops on the same date. The store on Sutton Court Road, Sutton will be transformed into a residential development after its final day of trade in seven days.
A spokesperson for B&Q commented: “Due to unsuccessful negotiations to renew the lease at our Sutton Court Road store we will be closing our doors on 8 June 2024. In preparation for this closure and to ensure we can continue to serve residents, last year we opened a B&Q Local store on Sutton High Street where customers can continue to shop for all their home improvement needs.”
Shoppers have been urged to visit other nearby stores for their B&Q needs, with “local” sites at Holloway Road, Wandsworth, Tooting, Wood Green, Harrow, Streatham, Camden, Palmers Green, and Staines.
