Shoppers left gutted as beloved shop shuts for good amid ‘spate of closures’ on high street

A MUCH-loved shop has closed its doors for the last time, leaving customers devastated.

Expressions in Devizes, Wiltshire, is another casualty of struggling high streets across the country.

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The store was empty with nothing but a sign in the window that read: "Now closed. Thank you for all your support and custom over the years.”

The shop has a five-star Google rating and hundreds of positive reviews.

One said: "The service is very impressive as they know where every card is," and another added: "Lovely selection of cards and friendly staff."

Locals took to Facebook to share their sadness over the sudden closure.

One wrote: “How sad, such a lovely shop with a great selection of cards. My go to shop when in the area.”

“I always use expressions for my cards as they're always so beautiful. Absolutely gutted to see they're closing down.”

A second added: “We suddenly appear to be having a spate of businesses closing in our town.

“This is unsettling for our community and is unfortunately a sign of a wider spread of financial insecurity.

“When charity shops, shoe shops, and coffee shops are closing, this is awful news for any town.

“Without footfall around our streets, businesses cannot hope to survive, which is why we must endeavour to keep our purchasing local and avoid travelling elsewhere.”

Around 13,479 high street stores shut for good last year, according to fresh research from the Centre for Retail Research published today.

It estimates that around 17,350 stores will close this year as higher national insurance contributions and increases in the national minimum wage take effect in April.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown: ‘’While big rent decision may be looming for some retailers, many are also grappling with how to deal with the extra costs burdens they will need to carry due to changes made in the Budget.

The increase in National Insurance contributions for employers, along with increases in the minimum wage will add to payroll costs.

"Some retailers may decide to pass on price hikes to customers, others could decide to freeze recruitment, restrain pay rises, or even shed jobs."

She added that "Consumers are also showing more signs of caution, with a survey from GfK showing confidence in the UK’s economic prospects has fallen back."

It's important to note that shops may close stores due to a number of reasons, such as opening one in a better performing area or if leases expire.

Five huge high-street chains are closing their stores this weekend, including Nike Factory Store at Craigleith Retail Park in Edinburgh.

The store, which offers discounted Nike footwear and clothing, has been a go-to destination for bargain hunters for years.

But it will soon be gone after the sportswear giant failed to agree on a new lease with the landlord.

Around 30 employees will lose their jobs, with no opportunities for relocation within Scotland.