Latest news with #BournemouthEcho
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
High street chain closes store 'suddenly' and leaves message to shoppers
The fashion retailer shut this particular branch on July 19 and left a sign outside for shoppers, saying thank you for visiting FatFace has closed one of its high street stores - leaving shoppers wondering "what's left" in one particular UK town. The fashion retailer shut its branch on Old Christchurch Road, in Bournemouth, on July 19. Local news site Bournemouth Echo said the FatFace shop had closed "suddenly" with a sign posted on its door. The sign reads: "Thank you for shopping in our Bournemouth store. This store is now closed. Find us at The sign features a QR code but this apparently offers no additional information about why the shop has shut. There was also a chalkboard inside the store, blocking the doors, saying: "Thank you for shopping with us!" Shoppers have been commenting on the closure on Facebook. One person said: "Another one bites the dust." A second person commented: "It's a sad day for Bournemouth!" A third posted: "Is there actually anything in Bournemouth town centre?" The closure comes after FatFace closed its Peterborough branch on June 15. FatFace was founded in 1988 by Tim Slade and opened its first store in London in 1993. The fashion brand was taken over by a consortium of lenders in 2020 before being snapped up by Next in 2023 in a deal worth a reported £115million. At the time, the company said FatFace would stay being run by its own management and would also keep its "creative independence". It comes after BrewDog revealed plans to shut ten bars - with one venue closing this week. The Scottish brewery and craft beer company has confirmed its Camden branch will close on Friday, while the others - including its flagship Aberdeen venue - will pull down the shutters from this Saturday onwards. Lakeland is also set to close another one of its stores. An employee of its branch in Reading told the Reading Chronicle that the shop is closing on August 8. The news site reports that the shop has launched an "everything must go" sale, and says there are "closing soon" signs in the widow. It comes after Asda announced plans to close one of its stores, putting 50 jobs at risk. The supermarket wants to close its Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green, branch as it is no longer "viable commercially". No exact closure date has been announced, but the lease on the building is reported to end in September. Asda told the Barking and Dagenham Post that it would try to offer affected workers other roles within the company. Asda has around 1,200 stores. Poundland has also revealed plans to close 68 stores and two of its warehouses, in a move that puts more than 1,300 jobs at risk, after being sold to investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mystery as British high street giant suddenly shuts doors to popular seaside branch with NO explanation
AN ICONIC high street store has suddenly shut for good in a popular seaside branch. Shoppers, were shocked to find the doors locked and a notice posted on its shop door announcing its closure. 1 Closed down FatFace, on Old Christchurch Road, in Bournemouth closed its doors on July 19. A sign posted on the doors read: "Thank you for shopping in our Bournemouth store. "This store is now closed. Find us at A QR code also takes smartphone users to its website but offers no additional detail of the closure. A chalkboard put inside the shop, blocking the doors, says "thank you for shopping with us!" and features drawings and hearts. Products are still on the shelves and hung on stands inside reports The BournemouthEcho The closure comes after the business announced it would be shutting its Peterborough branch on June 15, The closure came 20 months after FatFace, which was founded in 1988, was acquired by the leading clothing retailer Next, headquartered in Leicester. The announcement for the Peterborough branch was made a few weeks prior to its final day. BrewDog to close TEN pubs across UK as staff set to be axed Sharing the news on the We Love Peterborough Facebook group, shoppers were dismayed at the closure. One said: "I have to say it's shame to see that Fat Face will be closing down in Queensgate. "After speaking with someone in the store for confirmation, I'm afraid that they are not moving to an alternative location either, they are closing permanently for us." FatFace announced a pre-tax loss of £3.2 million last October, which was in part attributed to costs related to the acquisition. Why are retailers closing stores? RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis. High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going. However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." It comes after almost 170,000 retail workers lost their jobs in 2024. End-of-year figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research showed the number of job losses spiked amid the collapse of major chains such as Homebase and Ted Baker. It said its latest analysis showed that a total of 169,395 retail jobs were lost in the 2024 calendar year to date. This was up 49,990 – an increase of 41.9% – compared with 2023. It is the highest annual reading since more than 200,000 jobs were lost in 2020 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced retailers to shut their stores during lockdowns. The centre said 38 major retailers went into administration in 2024, including household names such as Lloyds Pharmacy, Homebase, The Body Shop, Carpetright and Ted Baker. Around a third of all retail job losses in 2024, 33% or 55,914 in total, resulted from administrations. Experts have said small high street shops could face a particularly challenging 2025 because of Budget tax and wage changes. Professor Bamfield has warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020." FatFace responds A FatFace spokesperson said: 'We can confirm our Bournemouth store closed on July 19. "We're focusing on supporting our store colleagues at this time and, where possible, looking at redeployment opportunities. "We'd like to thank all customers who have shopped with us for their support over the years'. No reason was given for the Bournemouth closure and a similar message was given for the Peterborough closure. A FatFace spokesperson told The Sun at the time: ' We can confirm our Queensgate Shopping Centre store in Peterborough will be closing, with the last day of trade on 15th June 2025. "We're focusing on supporting our store colleagues at this time and, where possible, looking at redeployment opportunities. "We'd like to thank all customers who have shopped with us for their support over the years'.
Scottish Sun
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Award-winning bar & restaurant in UK seaside town to close after 10 years as owner teases ‘it's just the beginning'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUCH-LOVED bar and restaurant is set to close its doors after almost a decade in the heart of the seaside town. Ojo Rojo, located in the Bournemouth Triangle, has announced it will be leaving the area after ten years of serving up tacos, cocktails, and a lively Mexican atmosphere. 4 Ojo Rojo, earned a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo 4 Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo 4 From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo Founded in Bournemouth, Dorset, by Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, Ojo Rojo made a name for itself with its bold flavours, mezcal-based drinks, and vibrant setting. It even earned a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running. The news was first reported by the Bournemouth Echo, who spoke with co-founders Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, confirming the closure is a 'strategic move' shaped by 'national industry pressure and local challenges.' But they've made it clear – this isn't the end. 'After nearly ten years of tacos, mezcal, music and magic, it's time for a new chapter,' they said. 'Ojo Rojo is moving on. Not because we've lost what makes us special but because we're ready to take everything that we've learnt and shape it into something stronger.' Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media. Rachel Grant posted: 'Our first date venue, where will we go for our anniversary now.' Kelly Marie Young added: 'Such a shame! We love this restaurant.' Restaurant chain owned by Michelin-starred chef is on brink of collapse 16 years after it first opened Others praised the team's effort. There's also been frustration about the wider town centre. Ojo Rojo is well known for its dedication to authentic Mexican culture. From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits, the bar has drawn fans from across the South Coast. 'Our ambition is to revolutionise the well-known taco, while educating people about the deep-rooted Mexican culture,' reads a statement on their website. 'We are passionate that everyone who comes into contact with us feels refreshed.' The venue, which includes a downstairs bar, upstairs dining, and an outdoor hacienda, will continue to operate for a short while longer. Its sister site, Hacienda Harden, is also set to close. The owners remain hopeful and committed to the future. 'You reminded us what this place means to people and why this next chapter matters so much, from me, Jayjay and the whole office thank you so much for all the love,' they said. 'We're here for a little bit longer. Remember we are not done yet… This is just the beginning. "We want to build what comes next with you. Because whatever that next version looks like, it's going to have the same soul – yours.' Ojo Rojo's closure adds to a growing list of businesses shutting their doors in Bournemouth and across the UK. In Bournemouth, the Winton branch of WHSmith closed earlier this year, and the town has seen other high street names disappear amid rising costs and shifting shopping habits. Nationally, the retail and hospitality sectors are facing significant challenges. Department store Beales, which first opened in Bournemouth in 1881, closed its last remaining store in Poole in May 2025, citing increased operational costs and tax burdens. Other notable closures include Karen's Diner in Islington, which shut its final UK branch in June 2025 after its parent company went into liquidation with £400,000 in debt. Fashion retailer River Island is reportedly developing a radical rescue plan amid financial struggles, with store closures and job losses being potential outcomes. The Original Factory Shop is undergoing significant restructuring, with several stores across regions such as Worcestershire, Durham, and Cumbria slated to shut down this month. These closures highlight the broader economic pressures facing UK businesses, including rising operational costs, changing consumer behaviours, and increased competition from online retailers. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Join the Bournemouth Echo on WhatsApp for the latest and breaking news
THE Bournemouth Echo is now on WhatsApp, meaning you can get all the latest breaking news in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the surrounding area straight to your phone. You can get the latest breaking news straight to your phone if you just click the follow button on this link HERE. Every day, we'll be sharing the top stories happening around you - plus the best images, videos and other content. To get your notifications immediately tap the 🔔 at the top of the channel page to activate. Editor James Johnson said: "We know how busy our readers lives can be but they still want to know what is happening where they live. "By joining our WhatsApp channel, readers will be able to get the news that matters to them straight to their phone." You can follow Bournemouth Echo on WhatsApp HERE.
