A BELOVED charity shop chain with 750 UK stores has closed down a popular town centre site after 18 years.

The once-thriving high street favourite in Greenock, Scotland, shared the sad news with customers they are pulled the shutters down for good.

The much-loved British Heart Foundation branch in West Blackhall Street has officially waved goodbye to its clothes and book store.

This has partly been attributed to a dip in foot-traffic due to £3.2million construction works in the town centre.

Sarah Malone, store manager of the neighbouring British Heart Foundation furniture and electrical shop, told the Greenock Telegraph: “It is a shame and it is really sad. There seems to be more shops closing than opening here.

“The charity shop has been in West Blackhall Street for a long time.

“It has just been really difficult for them with the disruptions. Many of their customers are elderly and they just won’t come if they can’t get parked. Other shops have found this as well.”

The charity shop ultimately chose not to renew their lease after struggling with competing shops and less customers using the high street.

However, some volunteers were able to keep their shifts at the neighbouring British Heart Foundation’s furniture store.

Sarah added: “We are the only charity store selling furniture on this scale. We have had our ups and downs but it is picking up.

“Christmas can be quiet but the last couple of years we have been busy.”

Greenock town centre Councillor Graeme Brooks added: “It is disappointing that another trader has closed. But there is nowhere for elderly constituents to park.”

He explained parking spaces were replaced by a cycle lane, meaning the closest car park was still too far away to be convenient for elderly and disables residents.

“The new design has made a bad situation worse,” claimed the councillor.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “It is naturally disappointing when any local business closes and especially such a long-standing one in a prominent location.

“Sadly, West Blackhall Street had seen better days and there was widespread acknowledgement that something had to be done to make it a more attractive place to live, work, visit, and do business and that’s why we stepped in to develop plans and secured millions of pounds in external funding to redevelop Greenock’s traditional high street.”

The council spokesperson explained the “key aim” is to make the area “more appealing for shoppers” which will in turn bring in more businesses.

Cheryl Hughes, British Heart Foundation Area Manager, expressed her gratitude for staff, volunteers and loyal customers.

“They can still support us and visit our nearby shops and stores, including our Greenock Home Store on West Blackhall Street or shop online on our eBay store,” she added.

“Our free collection service is still available too, so please consider donating to us if you can. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our customers, who help fund lifesaving research.”

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.

Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.

Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.

We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:

• 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, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
• 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.
• 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 shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.