The shoe retail giant joins Homebase in a quadruple store closure this weekend

British high streets have been dealt another blow as four major brands prepare to close stores this weekend.

According to the latest market research by PwC, almost 7,000 stores have closed in the UK in the first six months of this year alone.

And it’s not just high streets, retail parks and malls have also been affected by store and chain closures at a rate of 38 closures per day.

The latest wave of closures sees Homebase, WHSmith, Pizza Hut and shoe giant Clarks say goodbye to much-loved branches.

For many retailers, it’s just the beginning of a slew of closings expected this month and beyond.

Home strain

Homebase is the first to close one of its stores this weekend, bidding farewell to its Cambridge Retail Park branch today, Friday 13 September.

It follows a huge announcement by the retailer in recent weeks, revealing it will close a range of 144 of its outlets as part of a deal with Sainsbury’s that cost more than £1m.

Some sites will be converted into Sainsbury’s supermarkets after they close, although Cambridge is not on the confirmed list.

However, Homebase stores in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Derry/Londonderry, Fareham, Inverurie, Lowestoft, Newark, Omagh and Rugby will be relocated.

Clarks

Fans of family favorite shoe retail giant Clarks will see the popular Selby branch close for good this weekend. The retailer announced it was closing its branch in Gowthorpe, Selby, on Saturday.

Clarks said the branch in the North Yorkshire town, which has been described as “amazing” by shoppers, is grateful for the unwavering support of locals over the years.

Google reviews show positive experiences of the store, whose closure has caused grief in the community. One person said they were “sad to see it go”, while others left glowing reviews online.

One customer said: “Was very impressed with the service to fit my daughter’s shoes. It felt like she took the time to try on different sizes to find the right fit for her. Very happy!”

Pizza Hut

Tomorrow, locals at Surrey Quays Leisure Park will see a much-loved fast food chain disappear from the site following its expected closure.

Pizza Hut will close its doors for good on Saturday, September 14. There is bad news for families who spent weekends and evenings at the leisure park, as two popular neighboring destinations will follow.

Odeon Cinema and Hollywood Bowl will also be closed as part of the renovation of the leisure park. In the plans, the plot will be turned into a residential area with 384 new properties and a Tesco Extra store.

WHSmith

Paper giant WHSmith is closing its high street office in Sale as part of its strategy to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations.

The store is located in Stanley Square and will close its doors for good on Saturday, September 14. A WHSmith spokesperson commented: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Sale will close on Saturday 14 September due to the landlord’s refurbishment plans.”