Famous UK shop announces store closures in 2 towns in fresh blow to high street

A chain is closing shops in England and Scotland this week. Smiggle will shut branches in and . The Scottish branch will reportedly close on Wednesday (May 21) while the Shropshire town's store is set to shut on Sunday (May 25).

The retail chain, which specialises in stationery and accessories, has been approached for comment. An unnamed Smiggle worker told the Inverness branch is closing because bosses chose not to renew the lease. The reports that the retailer hasn't confirmed how many staff members will be affected by the closures.

It's important to note retailers close branches for a number of reasons and doing so is not always a sign they are in trouble. Some close because a lease has run out and a business doesn't want to renew it or a branch may not be as profitable as another.

The Inverness store, located in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, and Shrewsbury shop at the Darwin Centre have both launched closing down sales.

Prices have reportedly been slashed by up to 70% as Smiggle looks to sell of stock ahead of the doors closing for the final time.

Smiggle is an Australian-based chain founded in Melbourne by Stephen Meurs and Peter Pausewang in 2003. It was acquired by the Just Group in July 2007.

It describes itself as the "ultimate creators of colourful, fun, fashion-forward" stationery, office supplies, bags, lunchboxes and drink bottles.

The chain opened its first branch in the UK in 2014 and currently has 107 shops across the country.

Dad, Wesley Taylor-Marriott, 45, told The Press and Journal the shop closure was sad. He said: "It is a shame, isn't it? Because it's been here for a long time. My kids love Smiggle. It's pretty sad."

Mum, Sarah Holden, 39, told the same publication it was a shame to see the Inverness branch close. She said: "When kids go back to school, they can come here and choose something they like rather than everything that's out there online."

A spokesperson for the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury confirmed the chain had served notice on the premises and would stop trading this week.

The spokesperson said: "The store's management team has served notice in accordance with the terms of its lease agreement. We would like to thank Smiggle for being a valued part of The Darwin and extend our appreciation to the customers and community who have supported the store during its time with us."