Date set for closure of Hartlepool’s River Island store
A fashion retail brand is closing its Hartlepool store later this month after more than a decade in business.
River Island is closing its branch in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre on Saturday, January 24, as part of a large reorganisation of the business nationwide.
Hartlepool is one of 33 branches to shut as part of the fashion retailer’s restructuring plan after it suffered heavy losses.
A spokesperson from Middleton Grange Shopping Centre said: “While this decision was made at a national level and is beyond our control, Middleton Grange has experienced a positive few months, including the opening of the Boyes store in November, and a strong programme of Christmas activity, both of which contributed to an increase in footfall across the centre.
"We remain committed to supporting our existing tenants and welcoming new retailers, ensuring that Middleton Grange continues to be a vibrant and valued shopping destination for the local community.”
River Island bosses have blamed the closures on the “migration of shoppers from the high street to online” and higher costs to run stores.
Ben Lewis, chief executive of River Island, said in a statement earlier this year: “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street.
“However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs.
“The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.
“We have a clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability."