FatFace has recently closed one of its high street stores in a UK town, leaving locals questioning the retail landscape. The closure of the FatFace branch on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth took place on July 19, as reported by the Bournemouth Echo. The sudden shutdown was marked by a sign on the store’s door directing customers to visit FatFace.com.
While the closure message expressed gratitude to shoppers, it did not provide specific reasons for the shutdown. Inside the store, a chalkboard with a thank you message further confirmed the closure. The news sparked discussions among residents on social media platforms like Facebook, with some expressing disappointment over the loss of yet another retail option in Bournemouth.
This closure follows FatFace’s previous shutting down of its Peterborough branch on June 15. Established in 1988 by Tim Slade, FatFace was acquired by Next in 2023 after being managed by a consortium of lenders. Despite the ownership change, FatFace has assured maintaining its unique brand identity and management approach.
In a similar trend, other retail chains like BrewDog, Lakeland, and Asda are also facing closures in different locations. BrewDog is set to close its Camden bar along with several other outlets, while Lakeland is preparing to shutter its Reading store. Asda’s decision to close its Stepney Green branch has put 50 jobs at risk, with the company seeking alternative roles for affected employees.
Additionally, Poundland has announced plans to shut down 68 stores and two warehouses after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers. These closures reflect the evolving retail landscape, impacted by changing consumer preferences and economic factors.