The store is known for generously donating to charity and has been described as an ‘asset’ in the community
Shops are continuing to shut across the UK high street (Image: Getty)
The UK’s biggest toy store chain is set to close one of its town centre shops in just weeks in the latest blow to the country’s struggling high street. Closing down posters have been spotted in the windows of The Entertainer site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
The retailer has over 160 stores across the UK but has shut seven other sites during the last six months as operating shops on busy high streets becomes increasingly difficult. The shop in Barrow-in-Furness replaced the former Argos store in 2017. However, it has now been confirmed that the much-loved toy shop will close on May 3. Keith Stenhouse, Head of Region at The Entertainer, said: “We are sad to be closing our Barrow in Furness store as of 3rd May and would like to thank our customers and staff for their loyalty and support.
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“We’re proud of the service we’ve offered and are committed to supporting our employees through this situation.”
The Barrow-in-Furness store, which is “no longer profitable”, was known for making large donations to charity. According to The Sun
John Edwards, who managed the store for years, said the closure is “incredibly sad” and called the site an “asset” for the local community.
He continued: “It was always important to me it wasn’t just a shop, it had to be an experience and be somewhere kids were excited to go – it’s a huge shame to lose that.”
In addition to its 160 physical stores, the brand also operates 861 shops in large Tesco outlets across the UK. During the last six months, it has closed shops in East Kilbride, Dundee, Birmingham Fort, High Wycombe, Huddersfield, Croydon and Sutton Coldfield.
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The Entertainer in Barrow-in-Furness will close at the start of May (Image: Google Maps Street View)
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Earlier this year, the shop in Luton Point shopping centre closed. A number of local people were angry at the news, with one resident fearing that “Luton is on its knees.”
Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive at The Entertainer, said at the time of the closure: “Like most large national retailers, we continuously assess potential new locations while deciding whether to renew those shops which have reached the end of their lease arrangements.”
It comes as many retailers across the UK are struggling to cope with the recent increase to employer’s National Insurance Contributions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased the rate employers must pay for the tax from 13.8% to 15% on April 6.
The minimum wage for over-21s has also gone up from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour. Meanwhile, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds has gone up from £8.60 to £10 an hour.
