Much-loved clothes store closes down after 26 years leaving shoppers devastated – but it’s not all bad news

A BELOVED clothing store has shuttered after 26 years of service, leaving shoppers gutted.

The store was considered a high street staple and was part of the town's multi-million-pound regeneration scheme.

Red Menswear in Chatham in Medway, Kent, is shutting up shop after selling a handpicked selection of men's clothing since 1999.

Partner of the store, Ben Hunt, who has lived in Medway his entire life, said he's appreciated the store but believes “it's time to move on.”

He said: “We really appreciate our loyal customers who have been with us over the years and would defend Chatham to the hilt, but it’s time to move on.”

Red Menswear announced its last day of trading in Chatham will be Saturday, March 29.

Based in an old HSBC branch on Military Road, the shop was in the middle of the council’s £4million long-term reinvestment of the town.

It was said to support the innovative plans for the future of Chatham however the owners have decided to sell up.

To the relief of shoppers, the iconic store isn't gone for good and is relocating to Rochester High Street.

Ben continued: “Rochester is more of a destination town with its festivals, live concerts, bars and restaurants, antique shops, and it’s full of independent businesses – it's where we need to be now.”;

Rochester is a historic high street with a thriving shopping scene, cafes, pubs and plenty of independent stores.

Ben said they would be giving Red Menswear a revamp so it would suit the areas traditional environment.

“We want to give it an old-school tailors vibe in keeping with the history of the town,” he added.

The shop, known for selling names such as GANT, Tommy Hilfiger and Hackett, would hold onto to all their swanky brands as well as introducing some new labels.

Ben's business partner Martin Johnson said the people of Medway have been “amazing” and hopes that their customers will support them in the transition to Rochester.

It will take over a venue that was once home to both Platoon, a military equipment shop, and Analogue, a music store.

Shoppers were disappointed to see the business relocate but were supportive of the shop owner's decision.

Some shared their encouraging words with the menswear traders online.

One commented: “Best of luck lads at the new venue.”

Another added: “Good luck fella, will be more likely to visit at the new location – hopefully get more foot traffic.”

A third joked: “Just as you supported Chatham to the hilt sir, so will the dandy men of Rochester support you in your turn.

“All queueing up behind you sir, supporting you to the hilt sir.”

TROUBLE ON THE HIGH STREET

Plenty of other retailers are closing stores across the high street as households lean more towards online shopping and amid high business rates.

Soaring inflation in recent years has also dented shoppers' pockets.

The Centre for Retail Research's latest analysis suggests 13,479 stores, the equivalent of 37 each day, shut for good in 2024.

Of those, 11,341 were independent shops while 2,138 were shut by larger retailers.

The data also showed over half the stores that closed last year were shut due to the store or retailer going through debt.