Huge blow for ‘fantastic’ shopping centre loved by customers with families as fashion chain abruptly closes site

DEVASTATED customers waved goodbye to a much-loved store in a major shopping centre after bosses suddenly shut down the site.

Popular outlet Rushden Lakes, in Northamptonshire, sadly confirmed a fashion retailer was pulling the shutters down for good on Monday.

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Robert Goddard was hailed by shoppers for its friendly staff and luxury selection of brands .

A Rushden Lakes spokesman said: “We can confirm that Robert Goddard has closed at Rushden Lakes.”

And, unfortunately the designer branch was only the first of many planned closures in the shopping centre.

Customers were disheartened to see sale signs plastered on Robert Goddard windows.

They said the store boasted: “A nice selection of brands and just the right amount per brand.”

“Lovely clothes for men and women and fantastic staff and customer service,” said another.

Someone else agreed: “Good shop and very helpful people work in the shop.”

“One of my favourite shops. I love clothes and rarely leave empty handed,” penned a fourth.

“Absolutely first class customer service and great quality,” added another.

BROKEN PROMISES

The shock shut down comes after the brand, which runs 10 branches, vowed there would be no store closures.

In June last year, Drapers reported the retailer had been granted a CVA which would save their stores and 100 staff.

It was understood the CVA lasts five years and involved rent reductions for select branches.

Tookman, owner and managing director, said previously: “We are pleased that all our suppliers and landlords supported us through the process and we look forward to a successful future.

“All 10 stores remain open and will continue to trade as normal.

“We proposed a CVA to ensure the ongoing viability and success of the business and we look forward to putting this behind us and moving forward positively.”

Robert Goddard stocks nearly 50 premium clothing brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Armani.

DEATH OF THE HIGH STREET

It comes as many businesses have been hit by a string of closures.

The Body Shop bosses recently announced they are set to call in administrators as early as next week.

This means a “significant number” of jobs and shops are at risk, with the brand set to begin insolvency processes in days.

It is understood the chain – founded by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon – will appoint FRP Advisory, in a move affecting around 200 stores, Sky News reports.

Sources claimed there was a strong possibility that administrators would shut down a large number of The Body Shop’s UK branches.

The closures come as shoppers have been forced to slash their spending while the cost of running stores has also increased.

Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) this summer found the UK had lost 6,000 stores over a five-year period.

Popular beauty retailer Boots sadly announced it will be closing 300 shops this year, following several closures in 2023.

Meanwhile, fashion brand New Look confirmed 400 branches will be closed down.

For more information, The Sun has compiled a full list of major high street shops closing, including Tesco, Clarks and M&S.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk