A renowned high street store has announced the shock closure of one of its stores after more than four decades in business. Gardiner Haskins said that it will be closing the store in Cirencester as it faces rising costs that have made the outlet unprofitable.
Making the announcement today, Thursday, January 30, the shop said: “Changing shopping habits and structural cost increases significantly above inflation have combined to make the store unviable. Unfortunately, this is a very familiar story and one that is playing out across high streets all over the country. There will be no impact on our other business operations based in Bristol which continues to trade as normal and remains profitable.”
Gardiner Haskins’ Bristol store, in Straight Street, Broad Plain, will process and fulfil orders from customers of the Cirencester store, following the outlet’s closure. After-sales support will also be transferred to the store in Bristol.
Gardiner Haskins’ Cirencester store has been serving the Cotswolds since 1979. It is Cirencester’s biggest independent department store, as well as its largest independent homeware centre.
Ben Allen, managing director of Gardiner Haskins said: “This is sad news for our staff and the community this store has served for over 45 years. I would like to thank our customers for their loyal support.
“We have been proud to serve the people of Cirencester and to be actively engaged with the community supporting local charities and sponsoring Cirencester Town Football Club. We will work with these community partners to make sure the impact of our closure is minimised.
“We are also fully committed to minimise the impact of the store closure on our loyal staff who have worked incredibly hard to maintain our business throughout a uniquely challenging period. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all. They are an outstanding team.
“We will support affected staff with enhanced redundancy packages and outplacement support to help them find new employment opportunities.”