Lakeland Leather has closed a total of four locations in another major blow to the British high street. The chain, founded in Cumbria in 1955, shut down two stores in Carlisle and Gretna earlier this year. On May 7, their Southport location closed its doors. Now, their Kendal store appears to have shut down, as reported by The Sun.
The retailer previously stated: “With a heavy heart, we are closing our Kendal store due to the ongoing economic challenges faced by small specialist retail groups such as ours.” They added: “We want to thank you, our wonderful customers, for your loyalty, friendship and support over the past 43 years – Kendal has truly meant the world to us.”
Cancer Research UK Closures
This news follows Cancer Research UK’s announcement that it will close a total of 90 shops this month, after a wave of closures in April. On Friday, May 9, the charity closed its store in Aberdeen, with Birmingham also set to close two locations: Erdington High Street (245 High Street, B23 6SS) and Cotteridge (20 Watford Road, B30 1JA).
Last October, the charity confirmed its aim to reduce its high street presence from 600 stores to 320 over the next few years. Bosses blamed higher national insurance contributions, inflation pressures, and changing customer habits. The closures are expected to affect around 600 staff nationally and up to 3,000 volunteers.
Cancer Research said it would help affected staff find new jobs or volunteering opportunities if they cannot be redeployed. The charity also announced its online marketplace would close at the beginning of this year. However, it plans to open 12 new 'superstores' by 2028.
Chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we'll fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers.” She added: “This news will be difficult. Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We're committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes.”
An insider told The Sun: “It's heartbreaking. We've given years of our life to this charity and now we're being thrown away.”
