‘Ghost Town’ fears bargain chain will close shop and launch big sale
Shoppers are upset after a budget fashion chain announced it was closing one of its branches for good.
Select has more than 100 stores in the UK, including branches in Manchester, Bolton and Sunderland.
2
The brand was founded in 1980 and has become a permanent fixture on the shopping street.
But now the chain has announced plans to down the shutters of its branch in London’s Erith Riverside Shopping Center.
A statement on the store’s official Facebook page read: “Unfortunately, it is with great regret that we have to announce that we will be closing our doors next month!
“Select Erith would like to thank all our lovely customers who have shopped with us over the past few years.
“Erith Select has been providing services to our customers for 10 years and will be missed by many.
“We hope that our customers will continue to shop with us, long after we have left our website or other branches.
“Come select yours and get a bargain while you can!!!”
Shoppers rushed to the comments section to share their sadness over the decision.
One said: “It will soon be a ghost town.”
Another wrote: “That’s sad, another nice store is leaving.”
The Sun has contacted Select and the Riverside Shopping Center for comment.
The brand has launched a closing sale, with a sign in the store advertising ‘crazy offers’.
It reads: “Crazy deals. This store is closing.”
It comes after Select announced it would close its store in Ashford’s County Square shopping center in Kent.
The branch closed for the last time at the end of February.
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.
Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.