A much-loved high street retailer is to close all but one of its stores across the UK as the country’s high street woes continue. Winfields Outdoors is to shut six of its seven sites, with only its online shop and Lancashire headquarters remaining open for business.
Winfield’s Chester, Redditch, Leeds, Hull, Keswick and Swadlingcote stores are all to close permanently, after the company fell into administration. The only in-person store that remains is the company’s flagship site in Haslingden, Lancashire. The company took to social media to clear up “confusion” over their continued operations.
“We’d like to clear up some confusion and reassure our valued customers that Winfields Outdoors is still open and here to serve you!”, the online statement started.
It went on: “Although some of our stores have closed, our website is running smoothly, and our Haslingden store remains open, ready to help you find all your outdoor gear needs. We’re grateful for your continued support, and despite some recent rumors, the company is still running.”
Even local politicians are mourning the loss of the well-established brand. “It’s a great pity to hear this,”, Rossendale councillor Alyson Barnes said, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
“They have been a long-established company in the area – it is never good to hear about companies closing down and people losing their jobs. It’s an incredibly challenging environment at the moment, and small businesses, such as Winfields, probably feel it more keenly than some of those that have a bigger online presence.”