A POPULAR kids retailer has announced it will be closing down next week and has cut prices by up to 70%.
The Australian-based retail store known for its stationery, school supplies, and accessories for kids and teens will shut on 22nd February.
The Smiggle store in Redditch, Worcestershire, has slashed its prices and introduced huge discounts as part of its closing down sale.
After a host of store closures through the past few years – accompanied by mammoth closing down sales – Smiggle shoppers in the UK have now faced a further blow.
A shopper remarked on the sad turn of events and said: “I was just in Redditch and didn’t even think to look in there. Can’t believe it’s closing down.”
The trendy brand launched in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003.
It arrived to the UK in 2014 and set up a shop in Redditch’s Kingfisher Shopping Centre in 2017.
Smiggle expanded rapidly across the UK, having 138 UK by January 2018.
The go-to for kids school accessories was a huge hit with parents, who could also stock up on leisure accessories and birthday items in a single shop.
But the Australian business announced plans last year to close a number of stores across the UK.
The Cwmbran Shopping Centre had pull down its shutters for the final time in August, with two other branches closed in back in May.
The sudden closure of its Redditch branch came with no explanation from the business.
A customer said: “Really is sad to see yet another shop closing down in the kingfisher, wish all the staff the best of luck.”
More retailers closing their doors
Poundland has announced it will shut its Dorchester store for good today following a strign of closures.
The struggling bargain chain has already closed over 100 locations since June 2025.
Some of the stores will be holding clearance sales with up to 40% off all stock.
The business will be closing seven of its branches this month, with another five to shut in February.
But it is not just budget stores like Poundland who are taking the hit, as River Island closed nine of its store today as well.
The long-standing British high-street fashion retailer is set to close a total of 27 locations before the end of the month.
River Island is currently offering significant discounts on various clothing and accessories across women’s, men’s, and kid’s sections as part of “everything must go” sales.
A number of new lines have been added to the sale, with up to 60% off items.
