‘Real blow’ for town high street as shop closes after 45 years

Shoppers have shared memories of their town’s M&Co after it officially closed after five decades. The Sleaford[1] clothes shop, which had been a staple of the high street[2] for 45 years, shut its doors for the last time on Saturday, April 15.

It was one of 43 stores to close in April[3] alone after the retailer announced it would be closing all 170 of its UK shops. A member of staff posted a heartfelt goodbye on Facebook on their final day, saying the show of support from the town ‘meant the world’.

She wrote: “What can I say, Sleaford? Thanks for making today much easier than we expected. Thank you so much for all the lovely gifts we’ve received today and over the last few weeks.

Poll: What’s the worst road for potholes?[4]

“And thank you to everyone who popped in to see us and thank you for all the hugs. It means the world to all of us.”

Long-time customers and friends got in touch on social media to say that while they’ll miss the shop. One customer wrote: “Will miss M&Co so much.

“I buy most of my clothes there as I know they fit me well. Goodbye, and good luck.” Another said the South Gate shop shutting was a “real blow” to Sleaford’s high street.

She said: “You will be missed. It’s a real blow to Sleaford’s high street.

“I hope all the staff have managed to find alternative employment.” Another joked: “I will miss you a lot.

“You’ve been with me through thick and thin – and all sizes in between.” The departure of M&Co comes during a time of change for the high street, which has seen the closure of town centre banks Barclays and HSBC – leaving some residents feeling “left behind”.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ Sleaford (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ high street (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ one of 43 stores to close in April (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ What’s the worst road for potholes? (xd.wayin.com)
  5. ^ closure of town centre banks Barclays and HSBC (‘Disgusting’%20-%20elderly%20residents%20slam%20HSBC%20closure%20in%20Sleaford%20which%20could%20have%20’devastating’%20effects)
  6. ^ feeling “left behind”. (‘Disgusting’%20-%20elderly%20residents%20slam%20HSBC%20closure%20in%20Sleaford%20which%20could%20have%20’devastating’%20effects)