Shoppers Devastated as Smiggle Prepares to Shutter Store
Shoppers are devastated as high street kid's retailer Smiggle is set to close its branch in Dundee's Overgate shopping centre. The Australian brand, known for its vibrant stationery and accessories, came to the UK in 2014 and now has 117 branches across the country. Smiggle's stores are small but offer a wide range of colorful and bright designs, including stationery products, lunch boxes, diaries, and headphones. The Dundee branch is currently offering 50% off as part of its end of lease sale and will close for good on January 18.
Centre Manager Wishes Smiggle Success as Closure Approaches
Malcolm Angus, the centre manager of Overgate, expressed his appreciation for Smiggle's contribution to the retail mix and wished the brand and its staff success in the future. The closure of Smiggle's branch follows the recent announcement of Argos closing its upper floor location in March. However, new retailers such as Rituals, Pandora, and potentially Flannels are expected to join the shopping center.
Challenges Faced by High Street Retailers
Like many other high street retailers, Smiggle's closure is a result of the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar stores in today's digital world. Rising inflation and high energy and wage costs have squeezed households' budgets, leading to less disposable income for shopping. This, combined with the increasing popularity of online retail, has forced many businesses to close their physical stores. Boots Pharmacy, for example, recently announced the closure of 300 branches as part of its consolidation plans.
Expanding Retailers Amidst the Challenges
While the retail landscape may be challenging, some retailers have managed to expand their presence. Poundland, Iceland, Primark, and B&M are among the companies that have been growing their portfolios. B&M has even acquired 51 former Wilko sites. Additionally, Paperchase has relaunched 250 concession stores in Tesco branches, and Wilko has made a return to the high street. These retailers have found success by offering a variety of brightly colored products and adapting to the changing demands of consumers.
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