‘What is happening?’ cry shoppers as major discount retailer closes a store just six months after opening it

A MAJOR discount retailer has closed a store just six months after opening it, leaving shoppers stunned.

Poundland has closed a store in Alfreton, Derbyshire this month, officially shutting on April 6.  

1

The Institute Lane store had only been open for six months after Poundland took on the lease of the former Wilko store. 

Local media reports that the discount retailer has been unable to secure a long-term lease which was the main reason for the store’s closure. 

Locals took to Facebook to share their shock after hearing the news 

One user said: “This really isn’t great an affordable store for families what is happening Alfreton?”

Another said: “It’s the staff I feel for such nice people.”

“They put the rents up too much, force them out,” argued someone else. 

A third user said: “This is ridiculous.”

“Another nail in the coffin for Alfreton,” cried someone else. 

The news comes just days after two other Poundland stores announced UK store closures.

Poundland is pulling down the shutters on its branch in Eccles, Salford in a fresh blow to the customers.

Poundland in Jarrow was one of the first ex-Wilko stores to reopen but will now close for good on April 20.

Poundland bought up 71 ex-Wilko stores when the retailer fell into administration last year.

The discounter quickly turned around the locations and opened up many of the stores under its own brand before Christmas.

Since then several stores have closed down including locations in Ellesmere Port, Glashiels and the Sailmakers Shopping Centre in Ipswich.

What is happening to the high street?

The high street has been hit hard in recent years as shoppers increasingly turn to online retail.

High energy and wage costs and business rates have further piled pressure on businesses.

This has left some remaining retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink but other retailers have been less fortunate.

A number of major brands have crashed into administration since the start of 2023, including Wilko and Paperchase.

This year, The Body Shop fell into administration which has seen dozens of branches close, 82 will have shut in total by the end of April.

Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.

M&S has also confirmed store closure and openings with plans to ensure it has the best store locations.

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.

Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:

• Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
• B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
• Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
• Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
• Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
• Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
• Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
• M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
• Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
• WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk