Card retailer Clintons announced it will be shutting down some of its UK stores in 2023. Last week, on April 8, the Clintons in Kirkcaldy shopping centre, in Fife, closed its door forever. The chain also decided to close another of its main stores, the one in the Pentagon Centre, in Chatham, earlier this month.
After the numerous store closures across the country, it is still unknown what will happen to the Clintons’ staff who worked in affected locations.
The news comes after the retailer permanently closed a number of its shops last year: the Dorchester branch, the shop in Market Harborough and a store in Ayr.
Clintons was founded in 1968 and it is loved by many for its range of original cards and gifts for any occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries.
However, the business has struggled in recent years due to customers buying cards mostly online.
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In 2019, the brand announced its difficulties and was forced to close 66 of its store to avoid going into administration.
Back then, the company, including its website and stores, was sold to Esquire Retail Limited, but many jobs were lost. It was reported that over 500 people working across 335 stores lost their jobs.
At its Dorchester store, which was closed last year, Clintons left a note on the door reading: “This store has permanently closed. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause – your nearest store is Weymouth, 91 St Marys Street, DT4 8NY.”
It is believed that Clintons will now be shutting down other branches across the country before the end of the month.
However, Clintons is not the only high-street brand struggling. Marks and Spencer announced the closure of a total of 67 clothing and home ranges this year.
PwC Partner and consumer markets leader for the Midlands, Sarah Phillips, commented: “In the last few years, the region has seen some major retailers exit the high street.
“However, it’s not all doom and gloom as we’re seeing some green shoots appear, as the rate of store openings has doubled in line with store closures.
“There are challenges ahead with a potential recession and the cost of living crisis continuing, however we have seen how quickly the tide can change and there is positive growth for retail across GB, as more people return to work and offices, boosting the high street.”
Some of the M&S stores closing this year include:
- East Kilbride Shopping Centre – closed February 25
- Fenchurch Street, London – closed March 31
- Meadowbank retail park, Edinburgh – closed April 1
- Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough – set to close April 15
- Carlton Street, Castleford – set to close April 22
- Newport Road, Cardiff – set to close in spring
- Eagles Meadow, Wrexham – set to close in autumn
- Deansgate, Bolton – closing date to be confirmed
Express.co.uk contacted Clintons for comment.
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