'Unviable' homeware store announces closure

An independent homeware store is closing because changing shopping habits and increased structural costs have made the business "unviable".

Gardiner Haskins, in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, which has served the community for more than 45 years, said it would deliver "an orderly closure" with all outstanding customer orders fulfilled.

A spokesperson from the business said staff impacted by the closure would be supported with enhanced redundancy packages and would be helped with new employment opportunities.

The Bristol store and other business operations would continue to trade as normal, the spokesperson added.

Over the past four decades, the business has engaged with the community, supporting local charities and sponsoring Cirencester Town Football Club.

Ben Allen, the store's managing director, said the news was "sad" for staff and the wider community.

In a statement, he said: "I would like to thank our customers for their loyal support.

"We have been proud to serve the people of Cirencester and to be actively engaged with the community."

He added that the business was "fully committed to minimise the impact of the store closure" and he thanked the "outstanding" team for their hard work.

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