Spalding branch of Bonmarche is saved
Spalding branch of Bonmarche has been saved from closure in a buy-out by fashion chain Peacocks.
Administrators for Beales on the opposite side of the street are still in talks with potential buyers for the business, although a closure date for the Spalding store is pencilled in for the end of March or early April.
As previously reported, the Marks and Spencer Simply Food store is due to close on April 11.
A Peacocks spokesperson confirmed the Spalding store was part of the deal when Peacocks bought out Bonmarche.
The revelation that one of the three stores has been saved is sparking optimism and Coun Nick Worth, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for growth and commercialisation, is delighted by the news.
He said: "With Bonmarche being saved that's clearly good news for the High Street in Spalding and hopefully it will encourage others to come in and see what a great town we have."
District council deputy leader Coun Gary Taylor is leading the town centre improvement project in Spalding and said Bonmarche being saved is "excellent news".
Coun Taylor said: "I would encourage more local people to actually use the store - if they have not been in before give it a try.
"Let's support it - and let's support our other shops."
On Thursday customers at Beales were being told the in-store restaurant on the upper floor - a completely separate business, Cafe Moda - is likely to stop serving and move out on or around March 17/18.
A spokesperson for administrators KPMG said then: “As yet, we haven’t set a date for the store closure – as per our previous updates, we’re likely looking at the end of March or early April.
“The joint administrators remain in discussions with interested parties regarding a possible sale of the Beales business.”
In mid-February, the KPMG spokesperson said: “I can confirm there are 15 staff at the Spalding store, who will be working with the administrators for the next few weeks while the store conducts its closing down sale.”
Also previously ...
Spalding department store Beales reported to be close to collapse
Spalding department store: "Store Closing!" signs go up
Spalding's M&S Foodhall could be closing
