A POPULAR store in a major city shopping centre is set to close as the owner slams “big companies filing high streets”.
Locals were devastated to hear the beloved independent shop, in , was waving goodbye permanently, in another blow to the high street.
Trade Me In, located in the St Johns Shopping Centre, will be shuttered permanently on Saturday, May 31.
Management shared a statement on which read: “Though it’s undeniably sad to see TMI come to an end, it's important to remember the significance of shopping at
“Soon the high street will be filled with nothing but big companies, so support your local coffee house, support your indie markets, support your small businesses because they’re all struggling right now.
“To my colleagues, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each one of you (past and present) for being here.
“We’ve been through so much together and it actually breaks my heart to think I won’t get to see your faces 40 hours-a-week.
“As clichéd as it sounds, you all saved me during some of my darkest moments and I’ll know you’ll help me through this. I’m so happy I met you all, we had such a blast together. No matter where we end up I know I’ve made friends for life. TMI family forever.
“To the customers, thank you for everything, it’s been a crazy eight years and it warms my heart to have served you all.
“Your loyalty and kindness have meant the world to us, and we couldn’t have made it this far without you.
“While it’s with a heavy heart that we’re closing our doors, we are truly thankful for the trust and love you’ve given us throughout the years. Thank you. Love Spoink.”
Saddened shoppers hailed TMI, one wrote: “Sending you all so much love. I look back at my time working at TMI so fondly and I honestly love the TMI crew so much.”;
Another added: “Massive shame. Honestly, we need more small businesses.”;
“This is awful news. Your store has become one of my favorites over the years and I have loved visiting, browsing and chatting with the amazing staff members every time I have been in Leeds,” a third agreed.
This comes after a well-loved following the launch of a major closing-down sale.
The Wallace Emporium, located on Castlegate in , has announced its decision to after just two years of trading in the town centre.
Elsewhere, has been forced to wave goodbye to customers.
Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its decision to .
And, shoppers were disappointed after a beloved boutique closed after 22 years.
Family-run Little N's Baby Boutiquetheir site in Dartford, .
HIGH STREET STRUGGLES
It comes as other retailers, both independent and industry giants, continue to struggle.
Dozens of shops are set to close across the country before the end of the month in the latest blow to UK high streets.
Just a few months in to 2025 and it's already proving to be another
Rising living costs – which mean shoppers have less cash to burn – and an increase in online shopping has battered in recent years.
Just this week former staple of the high street Quiz crashed into administration with the immediate closure of .
bosses made the decision to axe nearly 100 branches as they battle challenges linked to tax changes.
Approximately a quarter of the retailer's 364 stores are .
This equates to about 91 stores, with a significant impact on New Look's 8,000-strong workforce.
It's understood the latest drive to accelerate closures is driven by the upcoming increase in National Insurance contributions for employers.
The move, announced by in October, is expected to hit retailers hard – and the has predicted these changes will create a £2.3billion bill for the sector.
Meanwhile, the WHSmith brand name looks.
In a fresh update, UK also told Flying Eze that 253 stores have now shut as part of cost-cutting plans.
Meanwhile, launched a big closing down sale amid 37 closures last month.
