AFTER 60 years of business, a beloved shoe chain branch is set to close in just hours.
“Locals lament yet another loss on the high street and urge, “People need to start supporting independent businesses before we lose them all.”
A.G. Meek is shutting a branch on Eastgate Street,, today.
The closure will mean the chain has just four remaining sites, all of which are in.
Owner David Meek said the due to the upcoming employer NationalContributions, a decrease inrate relief and lower footfall.
From this month the rate of that employers must pay will rise from 13.8% to 15%.
Meanwhile, the threshold at which they are paid will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.
Plus an existing discount on business rates will fall from 75% to 40%.
In a post on , Mr Meek said: “We have been struggling with rapidly rising costs and reduced footfall since the and the shop has not been covering its costs.
“I have held off hoping things would improve, but the recent budget is a disaster for small businesses employing lots of part time staff like ours.
“Our National Insurance on one shop and our business rates are increasing by £5,000 a year each from April and this is unsustainable.
The chain launched a with discounts available on a .
Customers who made a purchase could also get a £10 voucher to use on the A.G. Meek website or at one of the retailer’s other branches in south.
Dozens of disappointed shoppers have flooded to the comment section of the Facebook post to share their woes.
One person said: “Oh no. So sad. Another loss for Gloucester. So sorry to hear thisA.G. Meek.”
Followed by a second: “Sorry to hear this A.G. Meek – times on the high street are tough. Wishing you and all the staff every success for the future.”
A third said: “This is such bad for Gloucester but a common story around UK towns and cities.”
Then a fourth said: “This is so sad. People really do need to start using independent businesses before we lose them all.”
Meanwhile a fifth said: “This is so sad to read as your business is part of the fabric of Gloucester's .
“Sorry to hear your closing. I wish you all the best for the future.”
Others shared memories of shopping at A.G. Meek for handbags, gloves, and even wedding shoes.
A.G. Meek is set to close another branch
A.G. Meek opened its first shop in in 1912.
It became popular in the 1950s for its Meek’s Sets, which includes shoes, bags and gloves.
However, in another recent Facebook post, A.G. Meek announced the closure of its Albany Road branch in Cardiff.
The spokesperson added they want to “concentrate their business” into their St David’s Centre Shop in Centre and their newest shop in Cwmbran Centre.
The Albany Road store will close its doors for good in mid June.
