A HOMEWARE chain has launched a closing down sale as it prepares to shut its branch after just two years.
Melbe Home, which opened in Watford's shopping centre in July 2023, is now offering discounts with signs proclaiming “all stock must go” ahead of its imminent closure.
The store, known for its authentic and bohemian-style rugs and pillows, has attracted many customers.
All items are sourced directly from Turkey, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship.
However, the design team is based in the UK, blending both Turkish and British styles.
The store’s unique offerings and the warm, inviting atmosphere made it a favorite for many, especially those looking to add a touch of boho-chic to their .
Despite the closure of this location, Melbe Home's other stores in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans remain unaffected.
Customers from Watford and the surrounding areas will now need to travel to these other locations if they wish to shop for their signature rugs and home décor.
The Watford store’s sudden exit follows the closure of Paperchase six months earlier.
The stationary giant, which had been a staple at Atria Watford, shut its doors after being excluded from a rescue deal that saw the brand bought by .
This closure is part of a broader trend in the retail industry, where many are struggling to stay afloat in the face of rising costs and shifting consumer habits.
While Atria Watford has generally seen more businesses open than close in recent months, Melbe Home’s departure leaves another unit vacant.
are now left wondering what will take its place, as Atria Watford continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions.
There has been no official announcement regarding a new tenant for the space, but the centre is likely to seek out a business that can bring new energy to the mall.
As the “all stock must go” sale continues, loyal customers have flocked to the store to grab the last of its offerings at discounted prices.
Many expressed their sadness at the news of its closure, with some sharing fond memories of their shopping experiences there.
The closure of Melbe Home highlights the pressures facing many independent retailers, especially in shopping centres that have seen shifts in foot traffic and changing habits.
While Atria Watford has remained a popular shopping destination, the future of vacant units will be critical in shaping its retail landscape going forward.
Similarly, Turtle Bay in Blackburn recently shut down its site, after eight successful years of serving cuisine.
The restaurant chain, known for its vibrant Caribbean flavours, closed the Blackburn branch as part of an ongoing strategy to consolidate and focus on larger markets.
Fans of the location were left disappointed, with many expressing their regret at seeing a popular dining spot disappear.
Retailers are also pulling out of shopping centres.
, the popular pizza chain, closed its outlet in March 2024 after just two years of operation.
The closure followed a series of similar shut-downs across the UK as the restaurant chain looked to refocus its efforts on more profitable areas.
Meanwhile, Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest restaurant, has faced uncertainty after 99 years of operation.
The restaurant, located on London’s Regent Street, may soon close its doors for good as the landlord plans to convert the space into offices.
This closure is part of a larger trend, with many businesses struggling to adapt to changing consumer spending habits, the dominance of online shopping, and rising operational costs.
The is feeling the pressure, as retail parks and continue to reshape the landscape of traditional shopping centres.
UK high streets have faced a steady decline in recent years, largely due to the rapid rise of online shopping.
Additionally, high inflation has put extra pressure on consumers' budgets, further impacting spending habits.
A recent PwC report highlighted the ongoing trend of retailers moving away from high streets in 2024.
The report noted that shops in town and city centres are facing increased closures, while retail parks and locations outside these areas are seeing a rise in new openings.
This shift is largely driven by larger retailers and leisure outlets, which are drawn to the convenience retail parks offer shoppers.
The Centre for Retail Research revealed that over 13,000 high street stores closed in 2024, with even more closures expected in 2025.
The analysis found that 13,479 stores, or roughly 37 each day, permanently shut their doors last year.
Independent shops bore the brunt of this decline, with nearly 11,340 closing their doors, marking a 45.5% increase compared to 2023.
The Centre predicts that around 17,350 stores will close in 2025, attributing the rise to a combination of factors, including higher employer contributions and an increase in the national minimum wage.
