‘What a time to be alive’ shout fans as the high street brand closes another branch
SHOPPERS have been left devastated after an iconic high street brand with more than 1,000 stores announced it is closing another branch.
Argos has branches in the UK and has become a hugely loved brand.
The retailer was founded in 1973 and sells more than 60,000 products, including technology, home and garden, toys and appliances.
But now Argos has confirmed that its store in the Meols Cop retail park, Southport, Merseyside, has closed for the final time.
Sainsbury’s, owner of Argos, confirmed the news to The Sun.
It’s not all bad news though, with an Argos branch set to open in a new Salisbury’s supermarket on the retail park.
An Argos spokesperson said: “To make shopping easier for customers and allow us to invest where it matters most, we are moving many of our standalone Argos stores to Sainsbury’s – including our Southport Meols Cop Argos store.
“A brand new Argos will open in Sainsbury’s Southport Meols Cop this week, allowing customers to purchase thousands of Argos technology, home and toy products as they pick up their shopping.”
The new store opens tomorrow (February 28) and shoppers have taken to social media to share their excitement.
One said: “What a time to be alive!”
Another added: “Great news! I can’t wait for it to open.”
And a third exclaimed: “Actually really happy to see this retail park looking better.”
While a fourth said: “Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what’s on offer.”
The retailer announced plans in July last year to close 100 British branches in the next twelve months.
The move is part of the retailer’s plan to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its supermarket presence.
Argos currently has 1,103 locations, including 669 standalone stores and 431 locations within Sainsbury’s stores.
Last year the high street retailer closed 47 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.
It comes just days after Argos closed its Festival Park venue in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, February 24.
In addition, it will close its Staines-upon-Thames branch on Thursday, February 29.
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.
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