A MAJOR charity chain has announced a store closure leaving shoppers and locals devastated.
A Salvation Army furniture store will close for good after an internal review by the charity chain.
Bourne Salvation Army’s charity furniture store, on South Street, will close today.
Local media reports the store was temporarily closed for renovation work and was due to reopen again in spring.
The building which is in the old town library will be handed back to South Kesteven District Council.
The decision was made after a long-term review by The Salvation Army chain, in a bid to cut costs.
Major Mark Rose, East Midlands divisional leader for The Salvation Army said:
“We’re saddened to be closing our furniture charity shop in Bourne and would like to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers for all their hard work as well as pass on our gratitude to everyone in Bourne who has supported the shop.
“We’ve had a closing down sale and the final day will be today April 4, 2024.
“We reviewed the future of the shop in January and needed to make this difficult decision due to limited resources against rising operating costs.”
“We will now focus on our Sally Anne’s shop, which sells clothing and small household goods and is an important hub for the local community, providing funding for our community work. Sally Anne’s on West Street and our church on Manning Road are open as usual.”
The shop confirmed it has started a closing down sale which ends today at 1pm and will not be taking any more donations.
Locals have been left shocked and devastated by the news, taking to Facebook to share their grief.
One user said: “So sad so many people need help what happened?”
“This is such as shame. What a useful resource it is,” said another.
A third user said: “When I moved into my first home ever as a young mum I got lots of my furniture from here.”
“So sad they’re closing,” said someone else.
The news comes just a few months after another Salvation Army store has closed in the UK.
The Salvation Army’s shop on Cornerswell Road, Penarth closed after 30 years in October.
Mrs Darcey who has been volunteering at the store for 10 years said: “It is people struggling who are going to suffer.”
The Salvation Army isn’t the only charity shop to close stores, Oxfam confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
Several high-street retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.
The pandemic was a tough blow as many stores had to close during lockdown.
Since then energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some remaining retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink.
But other retailers have been less fortunate The Body Shop is currently going through administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores.
Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
M&S has also confirmed store closure and openings with plans to ensure it has the best store locations.
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
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