A DISCOUNT clothing chain store is set to close down despite 160 objections from locals.
An Original Factory Shop in Ben Rhydding will close down on October 19, to make way for a controversial new development.
A drive thru coffee shop will instead be built on the corner of the A65 and Wheatley lane, after it was approved in August.
The move has been criticised by locals, with more than with more than 160 people writing to Bradford Council urging the plans be refused, according to The Telegraph and Argus.
A further 61 people signing a petition against the application, which was submitted by The EG Group Ltd and Burley Developments Ltd.
It is currently not known which change will be moving on to the site, however EG Group, founded by the billionaire Issa brothers, operates other sites that include Starbucks, Greggs, and Krispy Kreme.
In a post on its Facebook page this week, the Original Factory Shop, Ilkley said: “We are sorry to let you know our store will close it’s doors on 19th October 2024.
They added: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Ilkley.”
Original Factory Shop has close to 200 stores located around the UK.
The sad news comes amid a wave of store closures across the UK.
Retailers are being squeezed by spiralling rents and mortgage rates as well as spikes in running costs.
That, combined with the rapid march towards online shopping as the dominant model in the sector, is leaving physical stores on the brink.
An outdoor clothing chain has also launched a huge closing down sale as Trespass closes its store in Coventry.
The activewear brand employs more than 1,500 people in the UK but has shut around half a dozen stores this year.
The date of the closure was not specified at the time, but local media reported that the shutters came down for the last time on September 13.
Retail woes
Other retailers, such as Homebase, Boots, and Clarks, have been reducing the number of their high-street branches.
Rising rents, energy bills, and the cost of living have also caused many retailers to fail.
Several big retailers have fallen into administration in the past year, including Wilko, Paperchase, and most recently, The Body Shop and Ted Baker.
The Body Shop collapsed into administration on February 13, putting its almost 198 branches at risk of closure.
Since then, it has closed down 82 locations.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.