'Damn' shoppers cry as Next closes a 'great' branch with even more risks
Shoppers are devastated after Next abruptly closed one of its branches for good.
Next has 461 stores across the UK, including main branches and outlet stores.
The fashion retailer opened its first store in 1982 and had 300 stores by 1994.
But now Next has announced that it has closed its Outlet store at Suffolk Retail Park in Ipswich on February 10.
Shoppers have taken to social media to share their sadness at the decision to close the store, which some described as “excellent”.
One shopper wrote on Google Reviews: “Great bargains.
“I got a winter jumper for £3! Friendly and courteous staff.”
One Facebook user said: “Oh my god, I love going in there!”
Another wrote: “I'm so disappointed. I love shopping there.”
A third shouted: 'Just one of many, many, more that will follow and head in the same direction.'
While a fourth simply said: “Nooo!! Damn.”
Next Outlets are not like normal Next stores.
They offer a selection of outlet products, past season collections and sale items at discounted prices that you won't find anywhere else.
It comes after Next confirmed plans to close 11 stores this year in a blow to shoppers.
Six of the stores are expected to fall short of their target margins, while two involve site redevelopment.
The other three close their doors because no agreement could be reached with the landlord of the site.
Next closed its branch in the Crescent Link Retail Park in Derry, Northern Ireland on February 1.
Before that, Next's Hatfield site in Hertfordshire closed on January 13.
A number of high street retailers have disappeared, or will disappear, from Ipswich's high streets in recent months.
Poundland is pulling down the shutters on its Sailmakers Shopping Center site.
In addition, the East of England Co-op will close its branch in the Rosehill shopping center in Ipswich on January 27.
More main street closures
Retailers have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.
The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are in the pipeline.
Several major brands have also collapsed, such as Wilko and Paperchase
Just this week, The Body Shop confirmed it has gone bankrupt, leaving 200 stores at risk of closure.
The Sun has compiled a full list of The Body Shop stores in Britain at risk of being lost forever.
But there is a glimmer of hope now that official figures show stores have recovered from a record poor performance in December.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales, which include online retailers, rose 3.4% in January, compared to a fall of 3.3% in December.
It was the fastest increase since April 2021, the month when non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen after the third national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several major chains are pulling down the shutters for the last time this month.
WhSmith in Oban, Scotland, will close permanently on February 17.
Boots has revealed it will close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.
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