Major retailer with 138 branches to shut store in weeks as it launches 70% off closing down sale

SHOPPERS have been left gutted as a popular retailer is set to close its doors for good in just weeks — with a massive sale now on.

Smiggle, known for its colourful, quirky pens, lunchboxes and school bags, is shutting up shop at the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury later this month.

The exact closing date hasn’t been confirmed — but according to the Shropshire Star, it’s expected to be around May 25.

An image outside the store shows that the branch has launched a closing down sale, slashing prices by up to 70%.

The brand, which arrived in the UK in 2014 after launching in Australia more than a decade earlier, quickly became a hit with school kids thanks to its bold designs and fun accessories.

Many shoppers took to Facebook to offer their thoughts on the closure.

One person wrote: “Another one gone. Will be the whole centre soon.”

A second predicted: “I bet the Telford one won’t be far behind it.”

Whilst a third added: “Managed to get some great bargains here today.”

It currently has 138 stores across the country — including newer openings in Telford and Brierley Hill’s Merry Hill Shopping Centre — but the Shrewsbury shop is the latest in a string of closures to hit UK high streets.

A spokesperson for the Darwin Centre told the Shropshire Star that Smiggle had served notice and will cease trading later this month.

The Shrewsbury site has long been a go-to for back-to-school supplies and birthday gifts — especially popular with younger children and teens.

The news comes just weeks after a beloved toy and bike store announced its closure after 160 years in business.

The 84-year-old owner revealed that the cost of living crisis has led to a reduction in sales and to the costs of running the business skyrocketing.

Both independent and industry giants have been struggling with rising costs and reduced footfall over the past few years.

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.

Rising living costs – which mean shoppers have less cash to burn – and an increase in online shopping has battered retail in recent years.

In some cases, landlords are either unwilling or unable to invest in keeping shops open, further speeding up the closures.

Smiggle isn’t the only stationary shop shutting its doors, more WHSmiths stores are set to close this month.

The huge sports retailer, Sports Direct is axed its Newmarket Road store in Cambridge on April 18.

Whilst, Red Menswear in Chatham in Medway, Kent, shut for the final time on Saturday, March 29, after selling men’s clothing since 1999.

A couple months ago, Essential Vintage told followers on social that it would be closing down after they had been “priced out” because of bigger players in the market such as Vinted.

Jewellery brand Beaverbrooks is also shutting three shops early this month.

New Look bosses made the decision to axe nearly 100 branches as they battle challenges linked to Autumn Budget tax changes.

Approximately a quarter of the retailer’s 364 stores are at risk when their leases expire.

This equates to about 91 stores, with a significant impact on New Look’s 8,000-strong workforce.

It’s understood the latest drive to accelerate closures is driven by the upcoming increase in National Insurance contributions for employers.

The move, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October, is hitting retailers hard – and the British Retail Consortium has predicted these changes will create a £2.3billion bill for the sector.