End of an Era
Fans of The Entertainer in Cheltenham town are saying goodbye as the beloved toy retailer closes its branch today. The closure of the store, which is part of the planned redevelopment of The Galleries shopping centre, has left kids, staff, and shoppers feeling gutted.
Moving Forward
The Entertainer, known for its mission to become the best-loved toyshop, has expressed its gratitude to the staff and customers of the Cheltenham branch. While the closure is a sad moment, the retailer is working with its Galleries store team to explore opportunities within the business and is encouraging local shoppers to visit its other stores or shop online.
Heartfelt Reactions
News of the closure has sparked emotional responses from loyal customers. Many have expressed their disappointment on Facebook, highlighting the store's helpful and friendly staff.
Impact Beyond Cheltenham
Unfortunately, the closure of The Entertainer branches is not limited to Cheltenham. The store in Bristol's Galleries Shopping Centre is also shutting down, along with the Horsham branch in West Sussex. However, the Crawley and Haywards Heath branches will remain open.
A Wider Trend
The closure of The Entertainer branches reflects a larger trend of high street closures across the UK. Rising living costs, soaring energy bills, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic have forced many businesses, including industry giants, to shut down stores. The British Retail Consortium reported that the UK lost 6,000 stores over a five-year period.
Joining the List
The Entertainer is not alone in facing closures. Other major retailers, such as Boots and Lidl, have also had to shut down numerous locations. Bargain hunters have seen the closure of discount retailer B&M, while pub-goers have witnessed the shutdown of Wetherspoons pubs.
For a comprehensive list of major high street shops that are closing, including Tesco, Clarks, and M&S, visit HOAR's compilation.
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