The high street has taken a hit this year with a number of store closures confirmed for the coming weeks

The high street is witnessing a significant transformation with numerous renowned retailers planning to shut their stores this September. WHSmith and department store behemoth Beales are among those gearing up to close their physical locations within the coming weeks.

This year, the UK has experienced a substantial number of store closures with nearly 5,000 chain stores closing their doors in 2023 alone. PwC UK reports that store closures occurred at a rate of 39 per day last year – a slight increase from 2022 but less than the period between 2016 and 2021.

This resulted in 10,494 store closures and 119,405 job losses across the sector. The trend persists as retailers adjust to evolving consumer habits and economic pressures, including pharmacy giant Boots which is anticipated to say goodbye to a few more stores by the end of summer, reports the Express.

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WHSmith

WHSmith, a mainstay of British high streets, is set to close two stores this September. The closures are part of a wider strategy to streamline operations and concentrate on more profitable locations.

The craft and stationery titan announced that it will be exiting Sale’s high street with the closure of its Stanley Square store. The shop will shut its doors on 14 September 2024.

A WHSmith spokesperson confirmed, “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Sale will be closing on Saturday 14 September owing to the landlord’s redevelopment plans.”

Beales

The department store chain is battling to stay afloat in the current retail climate, which has witnessed the downfall of other industry titans such as Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Beales has confirmed the closure of its Liverpool store, which will permanently shut its doors in just one week. This branch has been a local landmark, offering an array of products from fashion to homeware.

Beales Department Store on Lord Street in Southport reopened in 2021. However, the three-storey retailer has now initiated a massive closing-down sale that will run until Saturday, September 7.

The closure forms part of Beales’ ongoing efforts to restructure and survive in a challenging market. The departure of Beales will be deeply felt by loyal customers who have patronised the store for years.

Boots

The pharmacy chain has earmarked dozens of stores for closure this year, many of which have already ceased operations.

Some stores confirmed for closure remain open for now, but they’re expected to close by the end of summer, including four locations in London:

• 383 Upper Richmond Rd, Putney, London, SW15 5QJ
• 8-10 Camden High Road, Mornington Crescent, London, NW1 0JH
• 100 New Bridge St, London EC4V 6JJ
• 315-317 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London, N13 4YB

Co-op

East of England Co-op is set to permanently close its site in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich on August 31. The supermarket chain, which operates independently of the Co-op group, offers a variety of food and household items and runs several stores across the east of the UK.

Ipswich residents who make use of the post office situated within the store will witness its closure on the same day, with confirmation of the shutdown posted on the branch’s entrance as initially reported by the Ipswich Star.

The notice declared: “Our business is going through a portfolio reshape, opening new stores and refurbishing existing ones, as well as consolidating and closing some locations. We would like to say a huge thank you to you, our members and customers, and to the team at this store for the service they have provided over the years.”