NEXT is to close its outlet in East Kilbride with a number of jobs thought to be at risk.
East Kilbride shopping centre has been dealt another blow after the retailer confirmed its Centre West store will be closing in 2024.
Lanarkshire Live reports the shutters will come down for the final time in January, putting jobs in jeopardy.
It comes just three months after a new £100 million plan was revealed by South Lanarkshire Council that would see more than a third of the town centre demolished.
READ MORE: Question Time: Man sparks debate with Scottish independence 'influence' claim
The proposal would cut retail space at the shopping centre by 42%.
Next said it planned to try to move permanent staff to neighbouring stores although one worker told the Daily Record relocation options were “very poor” and added: “Lots of us are being left without a job.”
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “I can confirm that the store will be closing in the New Year, and that the store staff have been made aware.
“Efforts are being made for permanent staff members to be moved to neighbouring stores where positions are available.”
A number of big names have been forced to close their stores in the town in recent years, including Debenhams, Top Shop and Zara.
READ MORE: Critically endangered moss found in Scotland in 13-year first
A spokesperson for the EK shopping centre said: “Since Covid, and after the closure of Debenhams, Next have operated as an outlet store at EK and have remained in occupation on very flexible terms.
“Sadly, following an internal business review, Next have determined to reduce their estate of discount outlets and the decision has been taken to shut the doors at East Kilbride.
“We very much hope that, as plans progress for the repurposing of EK in accordance with the masterplan vision, Next will consider returning to the scheme in a new and improved unit.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel