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‘It won’t be long before there are no shops’ cry locals as outdoor retailer with 100 stores announces branch closure

It follows a string of closures earlier this year

A HIGH street outdoor retailer with 100 UK stores is to close one of its branches and shoppers have been left gutted.

Millets, known for its outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, is pulling down the shutters on its store in Peach Street, Wokingham.

Millets outdoor store
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Millets is to close its store in Wokingham and a closing down sale has bee launched

An exact date for the closure is set to be confirmed, but signs advertising a closing down sale have popped up in store, according to local news reports.

The signs read: "All stock must go. 30% off absolutely everything."

Shoppers have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the decision.

Writing on Facebook, one shopper said: "It won't be long before there are no shops other than coffee shops."

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Another added: " So sad. It used to be such a thriving little town but it’s turning into a ghost town."

Whole a third wrote: "It’s such a shame."

The Sun has contacted Millets for comment and to confirm the exact date that the shop is to close.

It comes  and Mansfield shut their doors after launching similar closing down sales.

Millets isn't the only retailer closing stores as a number of others struggle financially.

In recent years shoppers have been increasingly turning to online shopping.

High inflation since 2022 has meant shoppers have less expendable money and are holding off from leisure purchases too.

This, combined with high energy costs, has led to a number of businesses closing stores.

ArgosIceland and House of Fraser all closed a number of stores during the summer.

Meanwhile, some companies have gone bust entirely this year, including Cath Kidston and Paperchase.

But it's not all bad news - a number of retailers have been expanding.

B&MPoundland and Primark are all opening stores within days.

The Original Factory Shop and bulk seller Costco are also opening branches in the coming weeks and months.

You can also join our new Sun Money to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

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