“They're all closing soon,” shoppers shout as major fashion chain closes branches

SHOPPERS are groaning “they're all going to close soon” as a major fashion retailer with 350 stores prepares to close a store.

It comes after the chain closed a branch in Suffolk five days ago, to the shock of customers.

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Peacocks, which once had more than 400 stores in the UK, is closing its branch in Boscombe, Bournemouth within months.

The site at the Sovereign Shopping Center will welcome customers for the final time on April 6, a store member confirmed.

Local news staff have posted signs in windows notifying residents of the closing date.

The nearest Peacocks branch for shoppers is in Poole, almost six miles away.

Customers who rely on the store to pick up everything from men's clothing, women's clothing, shoes and accessories have shared their devastation after discovering the store will close.

One said: “They will all close soon. It will only be possible to shop online, mark my words.”

Meanwhile, a second said: “Another sad news day,” and a third added: “There are only pound shops and coffee shops in Boscombe these days.”

And a fourth commented: “More misery and fear for staff.”

It comes after Peacocks closed a location in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, a few days ago.

According to local news reports, the branch in the Arc Shopping Center closed its shutters on January 25.

One customer called the closure 'another hole in the high street', while another simply wrote 'tut tut'.

Peacocks fell into administration in November 2020 and closed half of its then more than 420 stores, which was a major blow to shoppers.

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.

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

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

Which other retailers are closing and opening branches?

Retailers have taken a hit in recent years as consumers increasingly focus on online retail and away from physical stores.

High energy and labor costs have also meant businesses are struggling, while shoppers' budgets are under pressure due to high inflation.

You can find out more about the high street collapse in the video above.

The pressure on businesses has forced many to close shops and consolidate their portfolios, while others have fallen into administration.

Wilko and Paperchase both went bankrupt last year, forcing hundreds of stores to close and thousands of employees to be laid off.

Meanwhile, Boots said it would massively consolidate its store portfolio from 2,200 to 1,900, in a blow to shoppers.

The three chains were not alone in closing branches.

Recent figures from the Center for Retail Research show that more than 10,000 stores will close for the last time in 2023, and almost 120,000 jobs will be lost across the sector.

That said, the numbers are lower than in recent years, with more than 150,000 retail jobs lost in 2022.

Meanwhile, despite the circumstances, it's not bad news for all retailers, with some opening stores in the UK.

B&M, which currently operates more than 650 UK stores, recently announced plans to open a further 17 stores in January and February.

Asda also plans to open 21 new locations before the end of the month.

The retailer said it aims to have 1,000 stores in Britain and Northern Ireland by March this year.

The Sun contacted Peacocks for comment.

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