Multiple major shops and chains are closing a number of branches before the end of November. Boots, for example, is closing five stores, while B&M, Homebase, Cineworld, Clarks, M&S, and Tesco are also shutting down some of their outlets. The closures are a result of the cost of living crisis, high inflation, and rising energy costs. Shoppers cutting back on spending and the increased expenses of running a store have made it difficult for some retailers to stay afloat. This comes as the UK has already lost 6,000 stores over the past five years. Here is a list of some of the well-known shops and outlets closing before the end of the year.
Boots
Boots is set to close several more stores this month as part of its plan to shut 300 shops over the next year. The pharmacy chain will be closing branches in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth; High Row, Darlington; Mudge Way, Plymouth; Mount Pleasant, Exeter; Kirkby Ashfield; Cambridge Road, Stanstead; Margate, Kent; Wood Street, Swindon; and Front Street, Prudhoe.
B&M
B&M is closing its store in Westmorland Retail Park, Cramlington, but will be opening a bigger replacement store just down the road in Manor Walks Shopping Centre.
Cineworld
Cineworld is closing its branches in Hengrove Leisure Park, South Bristol, and Trident Retail Park, Runcorn.
Clarks
Clarks is closing its store in Newport Retail Park, Spytty, and its branch in High Street, Newcastle under Lyme, by the end of 2023.
Homebase
Homebase is closing its stores in Marsh Mills Retail Park, Plymouth; Southam Road, Banbury; and the O2 Centre on Finchley Road in London.
M&S
Marks and Spencer is closing its store in Eagles Meadow Foodhall, Wrexham, at the end of the month. The M&S cafe will close on November 4.
Tesco
Tesco Express in Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, will be permanently closing on November 15.
Wetherspoons
Wetherspoons has closed 34 pubs in the last 18 months and plans to close more. Currently, 27 pubs are up for sale, with 17 still available and ten under offer.
While many stores are closing, there are also retailers expanding this year. For example, Costco is planning to open 14 more warehouses in the UK, Bonmarche is opening at least seven new stores, and The White Company is opening new stores in October and November. Additionally, Patisserie Valerie has started reopening branches, and bakeries such as Wenzels, Greggs, Dunkin' Donuts, and The Cornish Bakery are expanding in the UK.
