SHOPPERS say “there will be nothing left” after a huge fashion chain closed two more shops today.
The chain is one of Britain’s most well loved fast-fashion retailers and is 140 years old.
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The closures come after Peacocks collapsed into administration in 2020 and was forced to close just over 200 of its 400 stores.
The chain was rescued in April 2021 and was able to keep its remaining stores open, saving 2,000 jobs.
But today it has closed two more stores: Ashford in Kent and Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.
The Sun has contacted Peacocks for comment.
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Shoppers have taken to the Google reviews to heap praise on the “incredible” store “lovely, friendly staff”.
They also flocked to social media to share their sadness over the decision to close the site.
One Facebook user said: “Another town losing its shops.
“Merthyr on a Tuesday used to be bouncing with the market. Sad times.”
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Another wrote: “There will be nothing left in Merthyr if this carries on.”
A third cried: “Such a shame. Love Peacocks.”
Elsewhere, Peacocks in Camborne, Cornwall, will close on April 3.
Plus, it is also shuttering its branch in Boscombe, Bournemouth, on April 6 in a blow for locals.
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The retailer revealed news of the closure on its Facebook page which also showed a closing down sign-up in the branch window.
Peacocks collapsed into administration in November 2020 and shut half of its then over 420 stores in a blow to the high street.
The fashion chain went bust after struggling for business amid the coronavirus pandemic and multiple lockdowns.
However, it has been slowly reappearing on the high street, building its portfolio back up to around 350 stores.
And in October last year, the chain revealed it had plans to open seven new stores across Wales, England and Scotland.
It did not confirm the exact opening dates for the new stores.
Some retailers have closed a few branches here and there for various reasons, like when a store lease has come to an end.
Other examples of one-off rather than widespread closures is if there are changes in the area, like a shopping centre closing, and in some cases a shop will close to relocate to another area.
Some chains have faced tougher conditions though, forcing them to shut dozens of stores, or all of them in the worst case.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The high street is almost unrecognisable compared to what it once was with some locals describing their town as more like a “ghost town.”
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the increasing cost of living, with high rents and bills making it impossible to survive.
Shoppers no longer have the cash to splash like they used to with many just managing to get by after paying for essentials.
Last year popular retailers such as Wilko fell into administration and vanished from the high street for good.
Fans were left devastated over the demise of the discounter, however, it does look like the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range snapped up the website and brand name last year and has since started to open up some new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and opening dates of a further two locations have recently been revealed.
Stores are set to open in St Albans and Rotherham on Good Friday, March 29 at 9am.
Meanwhile, it is not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect but administrators for the high street stalwart said it is looking to “secure the brand’s future” with the restructure.
Troubled fashion brand Superdry is also looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
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However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
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