AN enormous budget retailer has devastated devoted punters who have shopped there for decades after closing a store in a major city centre.
Harsh posters announced the departure of Poundstretcher from Chelmsford’s High Shopping Centre, having dolled up deals for 44 years in the Essex town.
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Founded in 1971, the mall is certainly not going out of style, boasting three million visitors yearly, making Poundstretcher’s closure all the more baffling.
Large posters are slapped across the front of the iconic red branding, advertising the site’s availability after Poundstretcher in Chelmsford shutters its doors, having opened in 1981.
Heartbroken customers voiced their outrage on social media.
Top fan Christine Ann Harrison wrote: “Such a shame, always has a great range of products.”
Nancy, who has been a devoted shopper for thirty years, said: “I am absolutely gutted, the staff were so lovely and it’s my favourite part of my day.
“I grew up going there with my Dad, which makes it all the more devastating.
“So many memories, so much has changed. When will it stop?
“The high street is dying.”
However, Anne pointed out that if the store was successful, it is unlikely that it would be closing down.
She said: “If they hadn’t increased their prices so much, they’d be fine.
“If it were a BUSY centre, the shop would not be closing.”
The shopping centre has had a rotating cast of outlets in recent years, with many older brands being replaced by the new high street staples.
HMV closed in 2024, replaced by Superdrug, while GAME shut in 20222 with Greggs moving in.
The massive mall, which has been flogging its wares since 1971, boasts a number of iconic brands, from saucy Ann Summers to trainer king JD Sports, Next and Primark.
If punters are feeling peckish,it’ss home to Banan Tree, Cote Brasserie, Greggs and Turtle Bay if you fancy a tipple.
The closure follows a rollercoaster period for the Bargain superstore chain.
In 2023, it suffered heavy losses of £9.8m, closed twenty stores, and sacked 680 staff.
But it claimed that its finances were looking up after being sold to Fortress and announcing a planned expansion.