FatFace has permanently shut down one of its retail outlets on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, causing concern among local shoppers about the town’s remaining retail options. The closure, which took place on July 19, was abrupt, as indicated by a notice posted on the store’s entrance.
The notice displayed on the door expressed gratitude to customers for their patronage at the Bournemouth store and directed them to the brand’s online platform, FatFace.com. Despite the presence of a QR code on the sign, there was no further explanation provided regarding the reason for the store’s closure.
Inside the store, a chalkboard obstructing the entrance bore a message thanking customers for their support. Feedback on the closure has been circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, with users expressing disappointment and questioning the town’s retail landscape.
This recent closure follows FatFace’s shutdown of its Peterborough branch on June 15. Established in 1988 by Tim Slade, the fashion company inaugurated its first store in London in 1993. In 2020, FatFace underwent a change in ownership, with Next acquiring the brand in 2023 for a reported £115 million. Despite the ownership transition, FatFace’s management and creative autonomy remain intact.
In a similar vein, BrewDog has announced plans to close ten of its bars, with the Camden location set to cease operations imminently. Meanwhile, Lakeland is preparing to shutter another store, with the Reading branch scheduled to close on August 8, marked by clearance sales and “closing soon” signage.
Asda has also disclosed intentions to close its Anchor Retail Park store in Stepney Green, jeopardizing 50 jobs due to commercial infeasibility. Poundland, recently acquired by Gordon Brothers for £1, is poised to close 68 stores and two warehouses, placing over 1,300 positions at risk.