Popular homeware store launches huge ‘everything must go’ sale as it prepares to shut its doors for good
A POPULAR homeware store has launched a huge closing down sale as it prepares to shut its doors for good.
The Ford Barns Country Store’s sale promises incredible deals across a wide range of home furniture and accessories – but you’ll need to act fast as once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Ford Barns Country Store opened its doors for the first time ten years ago.
Located in the idyllic Essex countryside, the store has long been a haven for savvy shoppers.
Sadly, the beloved store has made the decision to close – but not before one final sale.
Ford Barns Country Store announced the “everything must go” sale in a post on Facebook in March.
The store wrote: “After many wonderful years, we’ve made the tough decision to close the doors of Ford Barns Country Store.
“But before we go, we’re giving you the chance to grab some fantastic bargains in our huge closing down sale! Once it’s gone, it’s gone!
“A heartfelt thank you to all our loyal customers for your support over the years.
“We’ve loved being a part of your lives and your local community.”
Devastated customers took to the comments to share their dismay at the news of the closure.
One Facebook user commented: “So sorry to hear this. What a huge loss to you all and the community.”
Another wrote: “This news is very sad – what a wonderful business you have and the staff are brilliant. Sad to see you go.”
The store posted a photo of a handy, wooden shelving unit this week with the caption: “Our shelves are looking emptier by the day — everything must go — including the shelf!“
It has shared a number of reduced to clear products online over the last few weeks, with the latest being a charming wooden rabbit sculpture.
Other bargains include a stunning Tiffany-style lamp, metal lanterns and colourful glass candle holders.
The closing down sale will continue while stock lasts.
Another popular homeware chain has launched a closing down sale as it prepares to shut its branch after just two years.
Melbe Home, which opened in Watford’s shopping centre in July 2023, is now offering discounts with signs proclaiming “all stock must go” ahead of its imminent closure.
The store, known for its authentic Turkish and bohemian-style rugs and pillows, has attracted many customers.
The store’s unique offerings and the warm, inviting atmosphere made it a favourite for many, especially those looking to add a touch of boho-chic to their homes.
But don’t fear – Melbe Home’s other stores in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans will remain open as usual.
This comes as other retailers, both independent and industry giants, continue to struggle.
Dozens of shops are set to close across the country before the end of the month in the latest blow to UK high streets.
Just a few months into 2025 and it’s already proving to be another tough year for many major brands.
Why are retailers closing shops?
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.
In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.
Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.
Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.
In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few.
What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.
They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.