“We understand that this is disturbing,” says a store chain that is about to close
An iconic retail chain will close another store within days, having already shuttered 79 locations.
Argos will close its Festival Park venue in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 24 February.
The retailer announced plans in July last year to close 100 British branches in the next twelve months.
The closures are part of the retailer's plan to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its supermarket presence.
An Argos spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that the Festival Park closure was part of the “plan to transform Argos and offer even more convenient ways to shop”.
The retailer plans to reduce the number of standalone Argos stores while opening more Argos stores and collection points within Sainsbury's.
The spokesperson added: “We understand that this will be a distressing time for those affected and we have supported our colleagues in every way we can, including exploring redeployment options within Argos and Sainsbury's.”
Local residents are reacting to the news of the store's loss on social media.
One person said: “I hope this isn't the decline of Argos.”
Another added: “There will be no shops open.”
While a third said: “No one is thinking about Arogs again since they threw away the catalogue.”
Last year the high street retailer closed 42 UK stores, including all 34 branches in the Republic of Ireland in June.
The company blamed the closure of its stores in the Republic of Ireland on the investment needed to develop and modernize the Irish part of its business as “not viable”.
By March this year, Sainsbury's expects to have 160 standalone stores and between 430 and 460 Argos counters in Sainsbury's supermarkets.
Argos isn't the only retailer making significant changes to its business model.
Pharmacy chain Boots has streamlined its store portfolio and closed a number of city center branches.
Marks and Spencer has also closed some of its locations, but has also opened new locations.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The main street is almost unrecognizable compared to what it once was, with some locals describing their town as more of a 'ghost town'.
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the rising 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 under administration and disappeared from the shopping streets for good.
Fans were devastated by the discounter's demise, but it appears the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range took over the website and brand name last year and has since started opening a number of new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and the opening dates of a further two locations have recently been announced.
The stores in St Albans and Rotherham will open at 9am on Good Friday, March 29.
Meanwhile, it's not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently went into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect, but administrators of the major retailer said they wanted to “safeguard the future of the brand” with the restructuring.
Struggling fashion brand Superdry is also exploring various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new stores, with one coming within weeks.
In addition, B&M will open six new locations in early 2024, including in the former Wilko stores that it took over.
See the full list of stores opening on the high street in our overview.