A CHARITY chain has announced it will be closing one of its warehouses in Norfolk and locals are heartbroken.
Age UK will close the doors of its Furniture and More store in Dereham’s Yaxham Road for good in February.
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With 250 locations across the UK, Age UK is Britain’s leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
The charity, which sells an ever-changing range of goods to support the elderly, confessed both inflation and the pandemic played a role in the inevitable closure of the warehouse store.
The charity chain announced the news in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
It read: “It is with sadness that we want to share with you all that we will be closing the doors to our Dereham Furniture and More store in Yaxham Roas permanently in February 2024.”
Read more on store closures
“Many retail outlets struggled to recover from the impact that Covid-19 had on the retail industry and ongoing inflation has continued to impact the retail sectors.”
“We are incredibly proud of our retail team – staff and volunteers alike – who have worked incredibly hard for the local community.”
“We are also hugely grateful to you, our customers over the years, who have supported not just our store but our vision to ensure older people live well in Norfolk. We thank you!”
Locals flocked to share their disappointment after hearing the news.
One user said: “Can’t believe you have to shut this shop these are the places we need more than ever with the economy as it is, this is one of my favourites, have donated furniture etc and always came out with a bargain, really can’t understand this decision.”
Another said: “This is terrible. What person high above made this poor decision? The shop is an asset.”
“This is a huge blow for Dereham,” said a third.
A fourth user said: “Such as shame. You will be missed.”
Age UK is the third charity to announce closures this year. Scope Charity has confirmed it will be closing a store in Newbury this week.
The charity shop chain used to have over 200 stores across England and Wales but now just 190 are listed on its website.
Oxfam also confirmed it would be closing eight of its UK stores this year.
It’s not just charity shops that have been hit hard, many high street retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.
Energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some retailers grappling with budgets and have no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
B&M has closed nine of its stores since February this year.
Homebase closed a store last week leaving it with just 93 stores remaining since it was taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.
Poundstretcher has closed five stores this year with another due to close by next year.
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