New Look fashion store to close in Wick due to 'unsustainable rent and rates', says Lib Dem candidate
A local Liberal Democrat candidate blamed "unsustainable rent and rates" for the imminent closure of a popular fashion store in Wick.
Responding to reports that New Look, based at Wick Retail Park, is set to close on April 19, Liberal Democrat candidate for Wick and East Caithness, Jan McEwan MBE, said: “Today’s announcement is another avoidable loss to Wick, caused by unsustainable rent and rates.
“The High Street is dire and the closure of a major premises in the Retail Park is yet another blow to the town and the county. Local authorities and landlords need to take a broad brush approach and cut costs to encourage businesses back into Wick.”
The fashionable womenswear chain announced the imminent closure of its Wick branch earlier today in a post written on a dedicated Facebook page for the local shop and apparently written by the shop's manager.
The message reads: "It’s with the heavy hearts we announce the closure of our store on 19/04/22. We want to take this time to thank the Caithness community for all the amazing support and as a manager I want to thank my team – they are all simply amazing.
"We hope to see you all over the next couple of weeks and we will have plenty of bargains too – keep an eye on our socials."
The store front this afternoon contained posters announcing a reduction sale with up to 70 per cent off items in the shop. The nearest shop is at Unit 61 of the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness – over 100 miles away.
Many took to social media to express their feelings with close to 100 comments made within a few hours of the announcement and over 200 sad-face emojis posted on it as well. Jo Sutherland from Wick wrote: "There will be a lot more places closing due to the rise in the cost of living for everyone."
Rebecca Sinclair posted this comment: "So sorry to hear this, will be a loss to the town. Hope all the staff manage to find new jobs quickly." Fiona Carter wrote: "That is very sad. I love this store. Oh well no more New Look as I like to support local and don’t like online shopping."
It is unknown why such short notice was given for the closure – less than three weeks – and New Look's press office was contacted but no comment has been forthcoming at present.