‘Another city losing its shops’ fans sob as fashion chain has to close shop

SHOPPERS have revealed their sadness after a major fashion chain announced it will close another store within weeks.

Peacocks fell into administration in 2020 and was forced to close just over 200 of its 400 stores.

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The chain was rescued in April 2021 and was able to keep its remaining stores open, saving 2,000 jobs.

But now the retailer has announced it will close its store on Wales’ high street Merthyr Tydfil on March 23.

The Sun has approached Peacocks for comment.

Shoppers have taken to Google reviews to praise the “incredible” store and the “kind, friendly staff”.

They also flocked to social media to share their sadness over the decision to close the site.

One Facebook user said: “Another town losing its shops.

‘Merthyr on Tuesdays always fluctuated with the market. Sad times.’

Another wrote: “There will be nothing left in Merthyr if this continues.”

A third shouted: “Such a shame. I love peacocks.”

And a fourth added: “I’m so sorry to read this.

“There are such lovely staff working in this shop, which we visit every weekend when we come from the Rhondda. What a sad day.”

Posts also appeared on Facebook advertising the store’s huge sale.

One read: “All in-store sales have an additional 30% off.

‘Enter the main street Peacocks Merthyr Tydfil.

“I’m closing the sale, so it’s only our store with this sale.

“There will be more rules. Sale until the store closure on March 23.”

It is not the only Peacocks store that will disappear from the high street in the coming weeks.

The store in Ashford’s County Square Shopping Center in Kent will also close on March 23.

The unit has just reopened after ‘essential electrical work’ kept it closed for more than a week.

Elsewhere, Peacocks in Camborne, Cornwall, will close on April 3.

In addition, it is also closing its branch in Boscombe, Bournemouth on April 6, which is a blow to locals.

The retailer announced news of the closure on its Facebook page, where a closure notice was also displayed in the branch window.

Peacocks fell into administration in November 2020, closing half of its then more than 420 stores in a blow to the high street.

The fashion retailer went bankrupt after struggling to do business during the coronavirus pandemic and multiple lockdowns.

However, it has slowly returned to the high street and has built its portfolio back up to around 350 stores.

And in October last year, the chain announced plans to open seven new stores in Wales, England and Scotland.

It has not confirmed the exact opening dates for the new stores.

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.

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