Since making its debut as a discount bookstore in 1981, The Works has become a one-stop shop for value craft supplies, books, games, toys and more.
The high-street brand currently has more than 500 shops across the UK with some located in major retail centres like Westfield Shepherd’s Bush in London, and Manchester Arndale.
Despite its popularity with Britons across the country, the retailer is one of the latest to axe branches from its brick-and-mortar portfolio.
The Works will be shutting its site in Penrith after bidding farewell to several other locations last year.
News of the closure in the small Cumbrian town has sparked strong reactions from locals who are concerned about the future of their local shopping hub.
The Works confirmed that its shop in Penrith will cease trading in mid-April, though no exact date has been given yet.
A spokesperson revealed: “We have loved being part of the local community and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure.”
All team members are said to have been redeployed to other stores to minimise the impact of the closure.
The spokesperson added: “Customers can continue to shop with us at our nearby stores in Carlisle and Kendal or online at theworks.co.uk.”
A local Penrith Town organisation took to X, formerly Twitter to brand the closure as “another blow for Penrith”.
In response, a resident proclaimed: “What is happening to our town centre!”
Many other fans of The Works have experienced similar feelings about the loss of the value craft store after it closed several sites in 2023.
The Hitchin town centre store shut its doors for the final time on August 25, 2023, which was preceded by the loss of the Coulby Newham site on July 6.
Two more high street branches closed in Bridgend and Croydon around the same time, while four other shops were relocated.
Jeremy Smith, property director at The Works previously credited the closures to an “ongoing management” of its portfolio.
But it’s not all bad news for Britons who rely on the discount brand. The chain has confirmed plans to open more stores in the coming months and has just reached the end of a huge January sale to make way for “new and exciting stock”.
