Semichem closure 'a big shock' for Wick, says community council chairperson
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The closure of Wick's Semichem store has been described as "a big shock" for the town and a devastating blow for the staff.
The shop in High Street is one of a number of branches around the country that are to shut as they are considered "no longer viable" because of changing shopping habits exacerbated by Covid-19.
Joanna Coghill, chairperson of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, said: "It certainly is a big shock to learn of another well-known shop closing down in Wick and, more importantly, devastating for the staff there.
"Being literally at the centre of Wick, it will be a great loss to our High Street – especially seeing our town centre will only be starting to return to some kind of normality from next week, with some shops being able to open again after the lifting of some restrictions.
"Being where it is, it could be an ideal location for any kind of business and I hope one will take up the opportunity quite quickly to fill this gap in our High Street."
The Semichem announcement will be seen as another setback for the Wick town centre regeneration initiative, especially coming only a couple of weeks after the TSB branch – just across the road – shut its doors for the last time.
Mrs Coghill said: "As for town centre regeneration, we have yet to learn if we have been successful in the next stage of funding. If we are, it means all involved in this exciting project will have to ensure the final plans will be attractive enough to encourage businesses to open and expand, for locals and visitors to enjoy."
On Wednesday, Semichem issued a list of 22 stores across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north-east of England that will be affected. Six branches are said to be "under review", with the remaining 16 – including Wick – confirmed as closing.
The Semichem store in Rotterdam Street, Thurso, is not on the list.
The health and household goods retailer, which is owned by Scotmid Co-operative, said 140 staff around the country were entering a consultation process. A spokesperson said the earliest closures would take place in late April.
Karen Scott, head of Semichem, said: “High streets were already struggling to adapt to the pace of change in shopping habits, including out-of-town developments and the rise of internet shopping.
“That change has undoubtedly been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, we have reached the point where it is no longer viable to keep some of our stores open.
“We are grateful for both Scotmid and subsequent government support, which has undoubtedly prolonged the life of many stores.
“Our priority now is to support affected colleagues at this difficult time. We are already looking for redeployment opportunities within the Scotmid group and will help all our staff both personally and professionally.
“The remaining stores in our Semichem portfolio are trading satisfactorily given the current circumstances. Like many other retailers, we are hopeful that, as restrictions ease, footfall will return to our high streets."
