Decathlon, the major international sports retailer, is set to close its only store in Gloucestershire, located in Cheltenham. The closure, scheduled for 29 August, has sparked disappointment among local shoppers who valued the store as a key part of the town’s shopping scene.
The Cheltenham branch, situated in Regent Arcade, is currently displaying closing-down signs, indicating the imminent end of its operations. With this closure, shoppers will need to travel to other cities such as Oxford, Birmingham, or Cardiff to visit a Decathlon store.
The Regent Arcade location has been an important anchor tenant alongside other well-known retailers like Mango, H&M, and TK Maxx. Its departure is expected to leave a significant gap in the town centre’s retail offering.
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Local customers have expressed their dismay online. One Reddit user commented, “One of the few shops I actually go to. Gutted.” Another added, “I was really pleased when they opened up in Cheltenham. It’s a real shame they are closing.”
This development follows a series of setbacks for Cheltenham’s town centre retail landscape. Earlier this year, the closure of the historic Cavendish House building, which had served the community for over 200 years, left many traders along The Promenade feeling ‘forgotten’ and concerned about the future vitality of the area.