Wilkies shop in Berwick town centre to close in new year due to high running costs and a drop in footfall

A closing down sale to clear all stock is now underway at department store Wilkies, which has been trading from 57 Marygate for just over three years.

The Scottish family-owned fashion, footwear and kitchenware retailer said it was forced to make the tough decision as a result of high running costs, combined with a drop in footfall since the pandemic.

Six staff are expected to lose their jobs.

In response to the announcement, Berwick Chamber of Trade and Commerce chairman Stephen Scott said: “This is very bad news for all businesses in Berwick town centre and obviously devastating news for the great team that works at Wilkies.

“With the opening of the new retail park beside Morrisons and the cost-of-living crisis that is now affecting everyone, this news is a serious setback. However, we are starting to see some investment and regeneration in Marygate, so this is some positive news on which to build.

“We need action in three areas; we need the Government to review business rates and rebalance charges to support town centres. We need landlords to be more willing to be flexible and realistic with their rents to reflect the current economic climate. And we need to rally the support of local people, many of whom may have forgotten the great businesses and great personal service that you receive in and around Berwick town centre.”

Coun Catherine Seymour, county councillor for Berwick North, said: “Wilkies has been a popular shop in the town for many – with good, friendly and helpful staff.

“The family-run fashion business started up just before the Covid-19 pandemic and has struggled to keep going with reduced footfall.

“The closure has sadly become a casualty of our time, like so many other retailers throughout the land, with less spend and competing internet shopping by customers.

“To keep our shops open on the high street and prevent them from going bust, please shop local to support our businesses.”

Wilkies owner and managing director Karen Forret said: “We opened Berwick in the summer before lockdown and sadly we just didn’t have the chance to build momentum in sales before Covid closures.

"With extra pressures on household incomes during the current cost-of-living crisis, footfall is unlikely to improve.

“Sadly, we cannot continue to operate in stores where costs are higher than sales and must use all of our efforts to ensure we can navigate the rest of the business through the current exceptionally tough trading environment.

“The decision to close our Berwick store has not been taken lightly and, in fact, we gave it an extra summer to see if we could build sales.

"We are deeply saddened to be leaving the premises at 57 Marygate.

“I would like to thank our wonderful team – the closure is not a reflection on their efforts.

"My thoughts are with them at this difficult time and we will look to offer roles where we have them in other stores.

“I would also like to thank our customers in Berwick and the surrounding areas who have supported us. It has been a pleasure to serve you and I hope from time to time you might visit our other stores or shop with us online.”