Eight shops have already closed, with the remainder set to follow over the next six months. Topps Tiles are yet to announce which of its branches it will be closing for good. Announcing the new “self-help measures” chief executive Alex Jensen said: “Topps continues to outperform a softer market.
“In light of subdued consumer sentiment and geopolitical uncertainty as well as the cumulative impact of cost inflation, the management team is implementing a targeted programme of self-help measures weighted towards the second half.”
While they are yet to announce which branches will be shutting their doors for good, a spokesperson for William Hill owners Evoke said: “Following a thorough review and further to increased cost pressures on the regulated sector including significant tax increases announced by the Government in last year’s Autumn Budget, from May we are closing a number of shops that are no longer sustainable.
“We are offering our full support to our retail colleagues who are affected by these closures.
“These decisions are never taken lightly; however, in the face of rising cost pressures, we must take action to ensure we can continue to invest in our core retail estate, with the right shops, in the right locations.”
Meanwhile, Carlisle residents will bid farewell to the beloved Routledge bakeries, as the 109-year-old business shuts down all its branches.
Explaining the decision, bosses of the family-run chain said they were not willing to face another year of uncertainty and crippling costs, such as increased business rates and energy costs. Its website is still live, but there are no products listed.
Routledges operated bakeries in the following locations in Carlisle:
- Brook Street
- Central Avenue
- Morton
- Mount Pl
- Newtown
- Warwick Road
- Wigton
After falling into administration, the Original Factory Shop will close four stores on April 4. It comes after the once beloved brand has already bid farewell to branches in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Newquay.