LEAVING A HOLE
‘Such a shame’ cry shoppers as doughnut chain makes ‘tough decision’ to close five stores
Read on to find out if the store next to you is affected
SHOPPERS have been gutted to learn that a popular doughnut chain is set to shut down five of its stores.
Planet Doughnut has announced its "tough decision" to close most of the locations.
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The bakery, specialising in hand made doughnuts, had eight stores across the West Midlands and northwest England during its peak.
And despite pumping out 10,000 doughnuts every day, the chain's bosses said that the high street shops have been scraping to stay afloat.
In March, the company's founder Duncan McGregor broke the news of the Lichfield store pulling down its shutters.
Now four more branches have also shut down following the franchise partner's decision.
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Managing director Rob Jones said in a statement: “Despite our best efforts and continued support, one of our franchise partners has made the tough decision to close all four of their Planet Doughnut stores.”
The four stores include Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, Warrington and Widnes in Cheshire, and St Helens in Merseyside.
The remaining three locations in Shrewsbury, Telford and Chester will be revamped into Dipp'd stores.
But to sweet-toothed fans' delight, they will still be selling the same beloved doughnuts.
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Mr Jones added: "Planet Doughnut Bakery will continue to supply all three Dipp'd stores with our doughnuts."
Last year Planet Doughnut had to close down its location in Nantwich - only two years after it first welcomed customers in September 2021.
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"We sympathise with our franchisees as trading on the high street has been difficult in recent years," Mr Jones said.
Fans have been devastated to learn of the closure of their favourite doughnut shops.
One person said: "Well that's disappointing, it was the only place close by that did dairy free doughnuts!"
Another one added: My wife and I love your doughnuts above any other brand. Not having any physical store near us is just sad. Your doughnuts are our comfort food!"
A third person wrote: "Oh this is such a shame. The Newcastle Under Lyme one was never busy but I have visited a lot.
"Lovely latte’s and milkshakes. It’s always sad when a business has to close."
It's not all doom and gloom though as the company will continue stockpiling retailers across the UK.
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Mr Jones said: “Planet Doughnut Bakery now supplies a long list of stockists from farm shops to garden centres, pub chains, venues and the country's largest sporting stadiums.
“We continue to supply most major wholesalers, meaning that we can deliver to every corner of the UK.”
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs are a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
While some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos - The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q - The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots - The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer's estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons - Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We've listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee - The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you'll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We've revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland - The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl - The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S - M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It's not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass - The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith - The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
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