High street giants Marks and Spencer and Tesco are gearing up to lower the blinds on a number of shops this summer. Joining the growing list of retailers shutting shop, Boots stands alongside Clinton Cards, Poundland, Robert Dyas, WHSmith, and Wetherspoons with announcements of closures across the UK. The high street is set for a gloomy week, with three standout stores scheduled to shut down permanently, including two beloved supermarkets .
One has been a mainstay for 33 years. Chippenham's town centre will witness the departure of its Tesco store this upcoming Thursday, August 15, ending an era for local shoppers. Marks & Spencer and home-improvement retailer Wickes are also preparing to switch off their lights in a wave of downturn hitting consumers hard.
Adding to the spate of retail closures, Tesco has stamped a date on the closure of its robust superstore located in Chippenham, Wiltshire. The largest supermarket chain in Great Britain indicated the shutdown of its unit inside the Emery Gate Shopping Centre back in January. Only recently did Tesco reveal the specific farewell date after prolonged anticipation from residents.
The absence of the conveniently placed superstore will be keenly felt by the community. On a brighter note, Tesco isn't leaving the vicinity entirely; its scaling down to an Express branch opening close by. Recent local news highlighted "extensive renovation works" at the Wilko site on Chippenham High Street, which is set to house the new Tesco Expres.