‘The misery continues’, shoppers despair as major phone retailer with 290 branches confirms high street store has closed
A MAJOR phone provider with 290 branches in the UK has decided to abruptly close down one of its stores.
O2 announced that they have pulled the plug on its location in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
“To ensure we deliver the great service O2 customers expect in a competitive environment, we sometimes need to evaluate how our business operates, including reviewing our store estate,” a spokesperson said.
“Having taken a number of factors into consideration, and following a consultation period, we have taken the decision to close the store in Dewsbury.”
It comes after rival provider Vodafone made the shocking decision to shut their Devizes branch in The Brittox, Wiltshire, with a storefront sign to locals that reads: “Sorry we’re closing. Our last day will be May 31, 2024.
“It’s been a pleasure Devizes! We’ll miss you.”
The closure means the nearest Vodafone store for locals is now in Trowbridge and Marlborough.
Vodafone confirmed the closure to The Sun saying: “Whilst we remain committed to supporting the UK high street, we are always reviewing our operations to ensure we can best meet the needs of our customers.
“As a result, our Devizes store has recently closed.”
They also assured loyal customers the closure was completely due to location-based issues rather than a wider company problem.
What else is happening on the high street?
The high street has been hit hard in recent years as consumers turn to online retail.
High energy and wage costs and business rates have further piled pressure on stores, forcing many to close sites to save money.
A number of major brands have shockingly crashed into administration since last year, including beloved home retailer Wilko and Paperchase.
This year, The Body Shop also fell into administration which has seen dozens of branches already close.
Other retailers have been closing shops in a bid to cut costs.
Last June, Boots said it would be shutting 300 of its 2,200 stores in areas where it already operates one nearby.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs are a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
While some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
Superdry announced plans to close eight of its 104 UK branches last July as part of a £35million cost-cutting project.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Discount giant B&M has opened 27 branches this year, while Aldi has its eyes set on opening hundreds more stores in the coming years.
DIY chain Screwfix is also set to open dozens of branches as its owner Kingfisher looks to expand its nationwide presence.
And Lidl is eyeing up potential sites where it is keen to open shops.