FANS of a popular bar have been left devastated after the family-run business announced its closure.
Bar 7 was unveiled in Margate town centre in December last year, but the business – with a bistro, bar and hire space – will be shuttering at the end of this week.
Bar 7 in Margate closes its doors after only a year[/caption]
Bar 7 will be shuttering next week (stock image)[/caption]
The decision that’s left customers devastated was announced by the company’s owner Wendy Knight, who ran the popular bar with her husband Douglas and son and daughter Karl and Shelby.
The family say health concerns are behind the shop’s closure.
In a statement on Facebook, they said: “We wanted to let everyone know as from the end of next week we will be closing our doors.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who ever helped us get on our feet and get started, with out you all it couldn’t have happened.
“We as a family need to focus on our health. This is not goodbye, but more see you later.
“We want to wish the new owners all the best, we will let them make there announcement.”
Distraught customers took to the comments of the announcement to express their sadness over the abrupt closure.
One user said: “Such a shame we really enjoyed the comedy clubs, if you open up again anywhere let us know.”
Another commented: “Hope you are all ok.”
One concerned customer said: “Oh that’s not good sorry hope all is well Wendy.”
And: “Health and your family comes first.”
What else is happening on the high street?
Many retailers have had to make changes in recent times in a bid to survive the cost of living crisis.
We have seen several big losses in the last 12 months including popular discounter Wilko and stationary brand Paperchase.
This year, health and beauty chain The Body Shop fell into administration and announced the closure of many of its 200 stores.
Almost 500 staff are set to lose their jobs after 75 stores were earmarked for closure.
Plus, clothing retailer Ted Baker fell into administration in March 2024 too, with 15 stores having shut by April 19.
Other retailers such as Iceland, Boots and Matalan have been slimming down the number of stores they have in their portfolio.
Just this spring Boots is closing a total of nine sites, as part of its wider plans to get rid of 300 locations.
These closures will see the retailer’s total shops reduced from 2,200 to 1,900.
This has upset a lot of locals in the affected towns, however, the health and beauty chain has said where stores are closing there is an alternative shop less than three miles away.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
