Lakeland is preparing to shut down another store in the upcoming month. A staff member from the Reading branch disclosed to the Reading Chronicle that the store will cease operations on August 8.
According to reports, the store has initiated an “everything must go” sale and displayed “closing soon” signs in the window.
Following the news, customers have taken to social media to express their reactions. One individual lamented the inconvenience of having to resort to online shopping for their preferred kitchen and homeware items due to the closure of the beloved Lakeland store in Reading.
Another shopper reminisced about the vibrant shopping scene in Reading, expressing disappointment in its decline with the closure of Lakeland. Additional comments from concerned patrons highlighted their attachment to physical shopping experiences and their dismay over the loss of yet another retail option in the area.
In a recent trend, Lakeland previously closed stores in Syon Park, London, and the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness, relocating to the Simpsons Garden Centre. The company traces its origins back to Lakeland Plastics, founded in 1964 in the Lake District by Alan Rayner.
Headquartered in Windermere, Cumbria, Lakeland operates nearly 60 stores across various regions in the UK. This announcement coincides with Asda’s plan to close its Anchor Retail Park branch in Stepney Green, potentially affecting 50 jobs due to commercial viability concerns.
Poundland has also unveiled plans to shut down 68 stores and two warehouses, jeopardizing over 1,300 positions after being acquired by Gordon Brothers. The company aims to restructure its operations, including rent reductions at certain locations, pending approval from the High Court.
As part of the Pepco Group, Poundland manages around 800 stores in the UK with approximately 16,000 employees. Recent financial reports indicate a revenue decline for Poundland, underscoring the challenges faced by retail chains amidst evolving consumer preferences and economic factors.
