High street shoppers have just days left to visit a staple that will shut down in the coming days. This comes as a wave of high street closures hit the UK, including a slew of Poundland stores and a huge number of bank branches across the country. The latest high street brand to gear up for closure is a popular sports shop that has been in operation for decades, opening its first shop back in 1978.
Ann’s Cottage has several stores around Cornwall, but one of them will be closed by Sunday, November 9, in another blow to the high street. Ann’s Cottage has stores in several Cornwall towns where surfing and watersports are popular, including go-to summer destinations such as Newquay, Falmouth, and Truro. As it announced its closure date, the company thanked its customers and staff for their continued support over the years.
A notice at the chain’s Falmouth store reads promises that it “isn’t goodbye”, but rather it is “see you soon”.
“After many wonderful years, we’re sadly closing our Falmouth store,” it says. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our amazing customers for their loyalty and support over the years.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this community, and we’re especially thankful to our fabulous Falmouth team for all their dedication and hard work.”
The shop is considered a huge part of Cornish culture, having been in operation for close to 50 years. There are seven Ann’s Cottage stores left, and customers of the Falmouth branch have been advised to shop online or at the store’s other outlets.
The company was founded by Rob and Beverly Harris. It was named after the building it originally opened in, which is located in the seaside town of Polzeath.
At one stage, Ann’s Cottage had 14 stores across Cornwall. The shop sells a range of surfing and watersports-related items, including wetsuits, jackets, surfboard accessories and changing robes.