Regatta, the well-known outdoor clothing retailer with 60 branches across the UK, has announced the closure of its Dundee store, located in the Overgate Centre, adding to a growing list of high street shop closures across the country. The Dundee outlet, which had opened in 2022 by taking over the former Oasis space on the ground floor, is now preparing to close its doors, prompting dismay among local customers.
A "closing down sale" notice has been displayed at the Dundee branch, although no official date has been given for when the store will permanently shut. The retailer has not publicly provided reasons for this latest closure. The news follows the brand’s decision last year to close another outlet in Chatham, Kent, at the Dockside Outlet Centre. At that time, Regatta representatives cited declining customer numbers and lease expiration as key factors influencing the closure decision.
Regatta, widely recognised for its range of outdoor wear including waterproof jackets, fleeces, trousers, footwear, and camping equipment for men, women, and children, has been a mainstay of the UK high street. However, like many other retailers, it has faced challenges leading to a reduction in physical store presence. The Chatham closure was described by the company as “a difficult decision,” according to reporting by the Express.
The announcement has stirred reactions on social media, with shoppers expressing disappointment over the loss of another local retail option. Comments included concerns about the future of high street shops, with one saying, “There won't be anything left here soon,” and another predicting further closures, “Many more units will be closing soon.” Others simply stated, “Another one bites the dust,” while some labelled the closure as a “shame.”
This development forms part of a wider pattern of retail closures in the UK. Several notable chains, including Sports Direct, JD Sports, New Look, Select, and WHSmith, have been reducing their store footprints. WHSmith, for example, has been selling its 480 high street stores to investment firm Modella Capital, with the shops set to be rebranded as TGJones. This move means that after 233 years, the WHSmith name will cease to appear on town centre stores, although more profitable locations such as those in airports and train stations will remain open under the brand.
WHSmith has also been closing underperforming stores quietly across various towns, including Woolwich, Basingstoke, Winton, Rhyl, and Bolton. It is anticipated that at least another six stores, including branches in Newport and Haverhill, will close in the coming months.
The trends affecting Regatta and other retailers signal continuing challenges for the high street retail sector as changing consumer habits and economic pressures reshape the landscape of UK shopping centres.
Source: Noah Wire Services