SHOPPERS have been left devastated after a popular shoe retailer announced it will pull down the shutters on one of its stores.
Office, a high-street favourite shoe chain, is set to close its only branch in Bournemouth.
Office Shoes on Old Christchurch Road, the retailer’s only branch in Bournemouth, announced the sad news with a sign.
A store assistant from the Bournemouth branch confirmed that Office Shoes on Old Christchurch Road will close permanently.
The site will officially shut down on September 7.
Just weeks ago the branch put up signs on its front door that read: “Everything must go. Unfortunately, our Bournemouth store is closing.”
“However, you can still visit us online for all the hottest footwear brands.”
Office was founded in London back in 1981 and currently operates over 100 locations globally, around 80 of which are in the UK.
The shoe retailer has not announced the reason behind the shop closure.
Many high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
Meanwhile, Clarks has announced the closure of yet another location within weeks.
The footwear chain is closing its branch in Gowthorpe, Selby, local news reports.
Clarks said the site, labelled “amazing” by shoppers, will be shutting in mid-September.
The retailer thanked local shoppers for their support over the years.
It said: “We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at these stores, and we’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in York, Monks Cross and Wakefield.”
The shock closure has left several local customers devastated, although the trader maintains over 300 branches nationwide.
The Clarks shop in the North Yorkshire town will be shutting its doors on September 14.
Shoppers have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the closure, saying they’re “sad to see it go”.
Locals have spoken highly of the chain on Google reviews in the past.
One said: “Was very impressed by the service to fit my daughter’s shoes.
“Felt that the lady took time to try different sizes to get the right ones for her. Very happy!!”
A second wrote: “Excellent shop due to the amazing staff. We came out with 9 pairs of shoes.
“Staff couldn’t have been more accommodating.”
Another commented: “Really good shoe shopping experience. Fantastic customer service from two really helpful ladies.
“All a perfect example of why we need high street shops.”
The sad news comes just days after the popular retailer announced that its shop in St Helier is shutting on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Most recently, the chain announced the closure of a branch in March, in Cambridgeshire.
The popular retailer also confirmed that its shop on King Street in the capital St Helier shut on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Clarks pulled down the shutters on its branch in Stroud, Gloucestershire, on June 10.
Clarks shut down its location on Marlborough’s High Street on April 22, leaving locals without a dedicated shoe shop in the area.
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
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