Major phone provider with more than 400 branches abruptly closes ‘excellent’ store
A MAJOR phone provider with over 400 branches in the UK has decided to abruptly close down one of its stores.
Described as an "excellent" phone store by upset shoppers, the branch based in the South West of England announced it will be permanently locking its doors on Friday, May 31.
Vodafone made the shocking decision to shut their Devizes branch in The Brittox, Wiltshire, with a storefront sign to locals that reads: “Sorry we’re closing. Our last day will be May 31, 2024.
“It’s been a pleasure Devizes! We’ll miss you."
The closure means the nearest Vodafone store for locals is now in Trowbridge and Marlborough.
Vodafone confirmed the closure to The Sun saying: "Whilst we remain committed to supporting the UK high street, we are always reviewing our operations to ensure we can best meet the needs of our customers.
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"As a result, our Devizes store has recently closed.”
They also assured loyal customers the closure was completely due to location based issues rather than a wider company problem.
Locals were left upset by the sudden closure and took to social media in their thousands to leave comments under the announcement post.
One said: "It's a shame, they were always helpful."
As another wrote: "Oh no not another shop going from the Brittox."
Reviews online have also lauded the store and the workers for their "absolutely fantastic service" over the years.
One wrote: "Customer service excellent and sorted out some complex order requirements with ease."
A second said: "Always get great service at this branch. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
"Best Vodafone branch I've been to."
It comes just months after another Devizes store was wiped from the streets when Clarks announced they were leaving The Brittox.
Which other stores have we lost recently?
We have seen several big losses in the last 12 months including popular discounter Wilko and stationary brand Paperchase.
More recently, health and beauty chain The Body Shop fell into administration and announced the closure of many of its 200 stores.
Almost 500 staff are set to lose their jobs after 75 stores were earmarked for closure.
Plus, Ted Baker fell into administration in March 2024 too, with 15 stores having shut by April 19.
Other retailers such as Iceland, Boots and Matalan have been slimming down the number of stores they have on the high street.
Just this spring Boots is closing a total of nine sites, as part of its wider plans to get rid of 300 locations.
These closures will see the retailer's total shops reduced from 2,200 to 1,900.
This has upset a lot of locals in the affected towns, however, the health and beauty chain has said where stores are closing there is an alternative shop less than three miles away.
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Last year Argos started to put in place its plans to reduce the number of standalone stores and focus on opening more locations inside Sainsbury's supermarkets.
It closed 42 UK shops, including all 34 of its branches in the Republic of Ireland last June.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs are a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
While some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos - The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q - The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots - The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer's estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons - Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We've listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee - The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you'll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We've revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland - The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl - The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S - M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It's not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass - The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith - The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.