Shropshire Star

Argos shuts up Telford shop for good

An Argos store in Telford was closing today as part of cuts by its new owner.

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The shutters were going down for the final time at the Argos in Telford Shopping Centre's New Street

The shutters were going down for the final time at the shop in Telford Shopping Centre’s New Street.

It comes after Argos owner Home Retail Group was bought out by J Sainsbury PLC in September last year.

Home Retail Group said the decision has been made by the new owners.

It declined to say how many staff would be affected but said steps would be taken to prevent job losses, with shoppers able to use other stores or shop online.

Spokeswoman Angharad Lynch said: “I can confirm the store in question will be closing, and colleagues will be transferred to other stores.”

There is currently another Argos shop in Telford on Colliers Way at the Bridge Retail Park. There are also stores in Meole Brace Retail Park in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Whitchurch and Market Drayton.

Telford Shopping Centre is currently undergoing a £200 million transformation.

The scheme has seen former Do It All and Focus store – known as the “Green Shed” between the Southwater development and the new Asda supermarket in the town – torn down. In its place has sprung up a Prezzo and TGI Friday restaurant, with more businesses due. The new development will create 85 jobs and recruitment days to fill the positions were held in March.

Aldi is also set to open in the Northern Quarter development, on the site of the former Asda Supermarket next Christmas.

Aldi has taken a 20-year lease on a 19,500 sq ft anchor store in the new Northern Quarter, which will take up a total of 70,000 sq ft, in units ranging from 7,000 sq ft to 25,000 sq ft.