Lakeland Leather Announces Closure of Three Historic Stores
After more than eight decades in business, the beloved UK accessories retailer Lakeland Leather has confirmed the closure of three of its stores. The affected locations are in Carlisle, Gretna, and Kendal, all situated in Cumbria, where the company first opened its doors in 1955.
'Everything Must Go' Sales Launched
In response to the closures, Lakeland Leather has initiated significant "everything must go" sales across these branches. This move comes as the company decided not to renew the lease for its Carlisle store, which expired in January, prompting a massive clearance of all remaining stock.
Challenges in the Retail Environment
A representative from Felldale Retail, the operator of Lakeland Leather stores, highlighted the difficulties facing the retail sector. "Like many retailers, we are operating within an increasingly challenging trading environment, with rising costs and lower footfall continuing to impact parts of the high street," the source explained.
The decision to close the stores was primarily driven by lease expirations. However, the company is actively consulting with staff to explore alternatives to closure and is working with landlords and other stakeholders to seek cost reductions that might potentially save the stores. As a result, no definitive closure dates have been set yet.
Support for Affected Staff
Lakeland Leather has emphasized its commitment to supporting employees during this transitional period. The company described it as "a sensitive time" for staff and expressed hope that some team members could relocate to other locations in Keswick, Bowness, or Ambleside. They are dedicated to assisting them through this process.
Company Remains Profitable Despite Closures
Despite the store closures, Lakeland Leather continues to be a profitable entity. According to Felldale Retail, the company saw sales grow by over 7 percent last year. Notably, digital sales have become the larger part of the group, achieving a third consecutive year of sales growth exceeding 20 percent.
Over the decades, Lakeland Leather evolved from its origins in Cumbria into a national retail chain, specializing in leather and sheepskin products. The company is renowned for designing its own handbags, coats, and jackets, maintaining a strong brand identity throughout its expansion.
