Fears Grow as Seaside Resort Faces ‘Ghost Town’ Reality After Retailer Exit
Bournemouth residents express concern as Superdrug closes, adding to high street decline and fears of a ghost town.
Bournemouth, UK, Superdrug, WH Smith, Retail, High Street
Bournemouth: It’s a tough time for this seaside town. Superdrug, a big name on the high street, has decided to close its doors. Locals are not happy about it, calling the move “ridiculous.” This closure is just one of many, as WH Smith is also set to shut down soon.
The situation is pretty grim. In just 11 months, over 13,000 shops have closed across the UK, and that’s part of a bigger trend. In two years, nearly 25,000 stores have vanished, leaving many towns struggling.
With these closures, around 250,000 retail jobs have disappeared, hitting local economies hard. People in Bournemouth are shocked and left wondering what’s going on. They’re asking, “What went wrong?”
Even though there are a few other Superdrug locations nearby, the loss of the central store leaves a big gap. One local even said, “Bournemouth has died.”
Superdrug hasn’t said much about why they’re leaving, but it seems the landlord wants to redevelop the site. Instead of a big store, there will be eight smaller units. It’s a real head-scratcher for many who loved shopping there.
WH Smith is also shifting its focus, planning to open more travel and kiosk stores instead. They’re leaving behind some beloved shops, which is a bummer for locals who relied on them.
Even though consumer spending is looking a bit better, experts warn that things could get worse. The government’s decision to raise National Insurance Contributions is expected to add more financial strain on businesses.
A recent survey showed that three-quarters of businesses are feeling the pinch from rising employment costs. Experts predict that this year could see over 17,000 more shop closures and a staggering 200,000 job losses.
Professor Joshua Bamfield from the Centre for Retail Research has pointed out that while closures aren’t as bad as during the pandemic, the outlook for 2025 is concerning. Higher costs for running stores and for consumers could lead to even more job losses.