The fashion chain purchased by Next is closing another of its 62 stores today
SHOPPERS are devastated as a fashion chain bought by Next closes another of its 62 stores today.
The struggling brand – famous for its chic boots – is the latest brand to bite the dust after falling into administration.
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The Joules site in Oban, Scotland pulls down the shutters for the last time today.
Fashion giant Next one tried to save the brand in 2022 after a terrible collapse.
The staff took to social media to announce the sad news news to its loyal customers.
In a Facebook post they say: “Our beloved Oban Joules will open its doors for the very last time on Saturday, February 10.
“Our time in Oban was wonderful and we thank you all for your continued support and a huge thank you to our regular customers.
“Please come in before we close if you can and see what we have to offer.”
Dozens of shoppers flocked to the comments section to mourn the loss of their 'favourite' store on George Street.
One loyal customer said: “It's terrible that it's closing. I've bought a lot there.”
Another added: “I loved that shop. There's nowhere to buy clothes in Oban.”
A whopping £34million was then splashed into the fashion retailer after it fell into administration.
Joules bosses said the company was struggling due to rising costs and cheaper brands.
Despite the huge deal, a total of 19 stores closed their doors for good.
The Oban branch is now the latest to close in the past year as part of restructuring plans.
The Joules branch in Bracknell also closed last month, leaving loyal customers disappointed.
Three other locations will close between May and August 2023, including Chelmsford, Harrogate and Nottingham.
In April, Next announced that the Joules relaunch had been moved from March 2024.
It transferred Joules' online operations to its own in October, five months ahead of schedule.
'THERE IS LITTLE FOR THE LOCALS'
The retailer said the move is an attempt to secure “cost savings.”
But locals in Oban have rejected the decision as it will leave their high streets empty.
Many fear that the vacant site will become a new souvenir shop for tourists.
One of them shouted: 'Please, no more Scottish souvenirs and tartan shops! This is not a true reflection of what Oban stands for.
'It's such a shame that this beautiful city looks so tired and dated. It needs to be shaken well.'
Others beg the municipality to bring new shops to their city.
One user said: 'Come on Argyll and Bute Council, give the locals of Oban what they want.
'We are the ones who keep the city open in the region winter and then get thrown out when it's time for tartan tourists.”
Another fumed: 'There is now very little left for locals and tourists who don't want to buy the same tourist stuff they can't get anywhere else. Very sad. Good luck to the future for all your staff.
“Sorry to read this. It was one of two good clothes shops in Oban with such nice, helpful staff.”
At its peak, Joules had 132 stores and employed 1,600 people.
Shoppers can browse the full Joules collection on the website.
The wave of closures has hit dozens of beloved retailers across the country.
The Works – a discount retailer specializing in crafts – is to close its branch in Caernarfon. Wales on March 17.
Elsewhere, shoppers were left disappointed after popular WHSmith announced it would permanently close one of its branches in Margate, Kent.
What are my rights if a company I have ordered from goes bankrupt or stops trading?
According to Citizen Advice, if a company or trader stops trading or goes bankrupt, you could end up without the item you paid for or with unfinished work.
There are several ways to try to get your money back or get the work done.
But there is no guarantee that you will get what you paid for.
You will need to call the company, visit their office or store, or write to them to find out what is going on.
Explain what you paid for and ask for the item you purchased or a refund.
If you can't reach a company or want to confirm that the company has gone out of business, you can look up the name at:
- the Companies House website if they are a limited company (with the letters 'Ltd' or 'Plc' after their name)
- the Insolvency Register if they are an individual (a sole trader) or a company – find both the person's name and their trading name
It may take several weeks for information to appear on these websites.