Copyright birminghammail
High street shoppers are bracing for a wave of store closures in the coming weeks, sparking concerns for beleaguered town centres. Big-name brands are shuttering hundreds of stores nationwide, with many launching massive closing-down sales. This follows a year that has seen beloved names fall into administration or be forced to close shops. Read more: M&S coat that is so 'chic' Poundland, New Look, Sports Direct and The Original Factory Shop are among the businesses drawing the blinds this month. Here's what we know about the closures so far.... Poundland began its restructuring process with 800 stores but will soon have between 650 and 700 left. Many of these shops have already closed, but on 14 November, its Sidcup branch will join the list. The store is offering discounts of up to 40%, with items reduced until they're sold out. Poundland, which employs over 14,000 staff, has faced financial difficulties in recent years. Its new owner, Gordon Brothers, purchased the chain for £1 in June, unveiling plans to invest £90 million to save the business. New Look is set to close an additional 11 sites before the end of the year, reports The Sun. While not all locations are yet known, the company has confirmed that its Lewes, Sussex store will be shutting its doors this month. A spokesperson for New Look said: "Our store in Lewes is set to close on 8 November. "We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. We hope customers continue to. "Shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found." The brand has already shut nine stores across the UK since the beginning of the year. In total, the chain plans to close around 100 stores due to National Insurance increases and other factors. Sites where leases are up for renewal are at risk, according to reports. Claire's Accessories , a high street favourite, is set to permanently close 145 stores after falling into administration in September. Exact dates haven't been provided, but it's believed many of these closures will begin towards the end of November and continue throughout December. The retailer has initiated final clearance sales across closing stores with discounts of up to 30%. It's not just shops that are under pressure. Many pubs are also closing. Wetherspoons is shutting pubs this month, much to the disappointment of regulars. The Water Gate in Barnstaple will close on 9 November, while Baxter's Court in Hackney will shut its doors on 2 November. Fans of the London pub have expressed their dismay at the news, with one calling it "utterly ridiculous". They said: "This part of North London is hardly blessed with many Spoons to begin with." Another lamented: "What a shame. Used to go there loads in college loved the 'roof terrace' upstairs."
