Lakeland Leather Southport at Risk of Closure 

Lakeland Leather, the 60 year old Lake District-based fashion retailer, has confirmed the expected closure of their Southport store on Lord Street.

Martin Foster, Lakeland Leather Managing Director, announced the store is nearing its end of lease and expected to close in May. The Lakeland Leather Lord Street store has been in Southport for over 35 years.

Foster commented “The increase of empty shop units in Southport and across many town centres is extremely unfortunate. In our case, we are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of rates.

We will try our best to negotiate a new rent deal for Southport, but even so the rateable value of the shop will remain at historic high levels of £57,000.”

Martin Foster represented independent high street retailers to a select committee at the House of Commons in December 2018. Since then the government has pledged to review rates deals, and work with local councils to save the high street.

“I am now deeply frustrated no action has been taken to solve the loss of the high streets, only empty promises. Every day without action is a day another shop closes.

Footfall in Southport has been in decline for many years. It’s infuriating to watch yet another big high street name close their doors as costs faced are too much. No thanks to the government.

Significant price reductions are now needed in store to clear the stock ahead of closure. It’s sad for all our staff who have worked tirelessly to build trade, despite the negative trend in footfall.”

The remaining 14 Lakeland Leather stores and website will continue to trade as normal with Chester being the closest store for Southport customers.