Hucknall shoppers have expressed their disappointment at the closure of a 'convenient' discount warehouse. The JTF Mega Discount Warehouse in Daniels Way has been served notice to close its doors by the end of this month.
It comes due to the financial failings of Poundstretcher, which took over the running of the site after JTF entered administration last year. The takeover meant staff retained their jobs after initially being laid off, however, this time the store will close for good.
This has been met with disappointment by local shoppers. Ann-Marie Griffiths, who has visited the store since her childhood, said she would be left with few alternatives after its closure. "I use it quite a bit so it's a bit disappointing," said the 35-year-old mum.
"It's really convenient for me. I use it if I need stuff for the home, like a light shade or something. We'll have the Co-op but you can't get the same things. If I needed to get stuff like that I'd have to go on public transport and it's not that easy for me."
She added that the situation was "not fair at all" on staff, some of which have spent decades working at the shop. "It's not very good," she continued. "They've been there a long time, had to go and then come back again. Now they've got to leave again - it's not fair on them at all."
Stuart Burrows, 33, of Hucknall said he only used the shop once every couple of months but said it would "definitely" affect others, including staff. "They need their jobs, not to be left going on benefits," he said.
Nigel Webster added: "I don't really use it so it doesn't make a difference to me."
The Nottinghamshire-based chain JTF operated 12 shops across the Midlands and the north of England, employing 500 staff, but closed them all last year. A planning document submitted to Ashfield District Council said Poundstretcher had "financially" failed to make the site work.
It states: "Unfortunately, as a result of a drastic downturn in trade, compounded by the direct effects of Covid, has led to the nation-wide closure of the JTF chain of stores with the Hucknall branch closing their doors to the public in July 2021. However, matters soon changed by the acquisition of the JTF brand by rival discount chain, Poundstretcher, who reopened the store in September 2021.
"Unfortunately again, for similar reasons, Poundstretcher have also financially failed to make the site work and as such have recently served official notice on the building owner to vacate the premises at the end of March 2022. Local letting agents have therefore been appointed to locate a new tenant for the building and under their recommendation there is now an immediate need to replace the existing bespoke Sui Generis approval for one that can provide a greater chance for success."
Poundstretcher has been approached for comment.
