Town centre store to close down with loss of 20 jobs
ATOTAL of 20 jobs are set to be lost in Macclesfield as the town centre’s Argos store has announced it will close.
The Grosvenor Centre retailer’s lease is up in January 2015, and bosses say they will not be renewing the contract.
The current Argos site will be demolished under plans to redevelop the shopping centre, which will feature a new twostorey building for four shops, and an extension into the former Cheshire Building Society premises, which will be used for offices.
The firm says that it is looking to relocate the shop’s current employees to other stores, but that it is unlikely it will relocate to another site within the town.
spokesman for the firm said: “Argos can confirm that its store in the Grosvenor Centre, Macclesfield, will be closing in January 2015 when the store lease expires.
“Discussions are currently taking place with colleagues to find alter-
Anative employment nearby Argos stores.
“As employees are currently in a period of consultation, we cannot comment further.”
After the closure the closest Argos to Macclesfield will be nine miles away, at the Bridestone Centre in Congleton.
Ed Kennedy, Grosvenor Centre manager, said his team were working hard with Argos – one of the UK’s biggest retailers – to try to help them relocate within the Grosvenor Centre.
He said: “We are keen for them to remain within the centre. We are aiming to create 200 new jobs as part of our £10m plans to redevelop the centre, however a number of tenants will need to be relocated to accommodate the scheme.
“At the moment it does look as though the store may close, and our thoughts are with the
in staff at this uncertain time and we are making every effort to encourage Argos to remain at the Grosvenor Centre.
“The new extension, which will incorporate the former Cheshire Building Society headquarters, has been designed to create much larger retail spaces in line with modern retailer requirements.
“This will enable us to attract high street names who have previously discounted the town because of the lack of suitable sized units.”
Town centre councillor Janet Jackson said the closure showed how important it was for residents to support their local high street stores.
She said: “Argos closing is bad news as it’s going to mean job losses for people.
“Though we’re being told the economy is improving people have not got money to spend.
“It is vital that people realise that going to your local high street shop can be just as cheap as buying something online or at a big superstore.
“I continue to buy everything I need from the town centre.”