Asda fashionstore to shut
A FLAGSHIP retailer in Middlesbrough’s Mall is to close, less than 18 months after it moved into one of the largest, purpose-built units at the centre.
Asda’s decision to close its George clothing outlet is part of a national plan to move all its stand-alone fashion retail units to out-of-town Asda Living stores. The move follows a four-year trial, which failed to deliver for the multiple.
The 9,500sq ft Middlesbrough store was one of just 11 nationwide and trade was reportedly strong.
But Mall general manger David McNee said: “Asda cannot afford to pay high street rents with the margins they deliver.” While the decision was “disappointing”, he said there was strong demand for large capacity units from other, more upmarket retailers and predicted there would be no shortage of offers to fill the prime unit, which fronts on to Albert Road.
“We are confident that we will be able to fill that unit with something more exciting,” he said.
“There is more retail space in Middlesbrough than the whole of the Metro Centre - it’s one of the largest in the North-east and we command high rental values.
“We have carved out a name for ourselves in terms of a very young fashion offer for the town by managing to find both large space users and younger, funkier brands, like Lush.
“Now we believe that the town needs to move up a stage. While George was good for a certain sector, hopefully, it will be an opportunity to make that step up.”
Upmarket labels to plug the gap might include premium women’s fashion chain Zara.
“That’s certainly the type of retailer we would aspire to have here,” said Mr McNee.
Asda plans to close its George stores within three months.
“If there are going to be job losses, we will do all we can to assist in finding vacancies in The Mall,” he added.
