High street retailer with 263 stores to shut shop in weeks – and it’s launched HUGE closing down sale – The Sun
The retail landscape in the UK is undergoing a significant transformation, with many high street stores facing an uncertain future. A major blow has been dealt to the city of Norwich, as outdoor clothing and gear giant Mountain Warehouse has confirmed that it will be closing its London Street store in just two weeks. The store, which has been a staple in the community for over a year, will cease trading on June 15, leaving customers with limited time to visit and take advantage of the massive clearance sale that is currently underway. With prices slashed by up to 70%, shoppers can snag some incredible deals on outdoor gear and clothing, but it’s a bittersweet victory, as the closure marks the end of an era for the store.
The writing has been on the wall for some time, with “Closing Down” signs appearing in the windows as far back as October last year. Despite this, the store’s fate was never officially confirmed, leaving customers and employees in limbo. However, with the announcement of the closure, it’s clear that the decision to shut the store was not taken lightly. The nearby Haymarket branch, which is larger and more modern, will remain open, and any leftover stock from the London Street store will be transferred there. While this may come as a relief to some, it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss for the community, which will be saying goodbye to a beloved store. As one shopper noted on Facebook, “It was only a matter of time – you can’t have two stores that close together and expect them both to survive.”
The closure of the Mountain Warehouse store in Norwich is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger trend that is affecting high streets across the UK. Many retailers are struggling to stay afloat, thanks to rising costs, including rent, energy bills, and staffing expenses. The recent government Budget changes, which hiked employer National Insurance contributions, have only added to the pressure. As a result, several big-name chains are reviewing their property portfolios, and some are being forced to shut their doors for good. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the hike in employer NICs will cost the retail sector a staggering £2.3 billion, while research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that over half of companies plan to raise prices by early April.
The impact of these store closures will be felt far and wide, with many communities losing not only a convenient shopping destination but also a hub of activity and employment. The Centre for Retail Research has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year, which is a stark increase on the 13,000 shops that closed their doors for good in 2024. This could lead to as many as 202,000 job losses in the sector, a figure that is even higher than the number of jobs lost during the pandemic in 2020. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR, has warned that the outlook for 2025 is bleak, saying, “By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household, it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”
Despite the challenges facing the retail sector, it’s not all doom and gloom. While store closures can be a blow to local communities, they can also represent an opportunity for new businesses to emerge and thrive. In some cases, the closure of one store can pave the way for another to take its place, bringing new life and energy to the area. Additionally, the rise of online shopping has created new opportunities for retailers to reach customers and build brand loyalty. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see a mix of traditional high street stores, online retailers, and innovative new businesses that combine the best of both worlds.
As the people of Norwich come to terms with the loss of their beloved Mountain Warehouse store, they can take comfort in the fact that the nearby Haymarket branch will remain open, offering a similar range of products and services. While it’s hard to say goodbye to a store that has been a part of the community for so long, it’s also exciting to think about the new possibilities that could arise from the closure. As one shopper noted, “Sad to see it go, but I guess Haymarket makes more sense. Still going to miss it.” As the retail sector continues to navigate the challenges of the modern marketplace, it’s clear that change is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, innovation, and renewal. With the right approach, retailers can thrive in this new landscape, and communities can continue to enjoy the benefits of vibrant, bustling high streets.
