Retailer blames rising costs and low footfall for the difficult decision
A.G. Meek, the longstanding independent shoe retailer, is set to shut its Gloucester branch this week, marking the end of a 60-year presence in the city. The store, located on Eastgate Street, will close its doors for the final time on Friday, April 12.
Established in 1965 on Westgate Street, the Gloucester store was a fixture in the city’s high street retail scene for decades before moving to Eastgate Street in 2021. The closure leaves the company with only four remaining branches, all based in Wales.
The decision to close the store comes amid a combination of economic pressures, including a significant rise in National Insurance costs for employers and cuts to retail business rates relief.
Owner David Meek explained that the financial burden had become too great for the shop to bear. The rate of employer National Insurance rose from 13.8% to 15% as of April 6, while the earnings threshold has been lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 per year.
Additionally, the retail business rates discount has been reduced from 75% to 40%, adding further strain on small retailers like A.G. Meek.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Mr Meek shared the emotional toll of the decision: “I am very sad to tell you that we are closing our shoe shop after 60 years trading in Gloucester City Centre. We have been struggling with rapidly rising costs and reduced footfall since the pandemic and the shop has not been covering its costs.”
He went on to criticise recent government decisions, which he believes disproportionately impact small businesses: “I have held off hoping things would improve, but the recent budget is a disaster for small businesses employing lots of part time staff like ours. Our national insurance on one shop and our business rates are increasing by £5000 a year each from April and this is unsustainable.
Bigger retailers are complaining about the increase but they have the option of putting in more self checkouts and increasing their prices a little. Amazon can put a few pence on the price of each product.
We have put on a closing down sale today to clear all our stock. We will be closing in early April. We have lots of stock to clear including Fly London Skechers and Rieker.”
The Gloucester branch is currently holding a closing down sale with at least 35% off all footwear. Popular brands available include Kickers, Skechers, Hotter, Van Dal, Timberland, Fly London and Rieker.
As a thank you to customers, those making a purchase will receive a £10 gift voucher, redeemable online or at any of A.G. Meek’s remaining stores in South Wales.
“Please come in and say goodbye to my wonderful staff and every customer making a purchase will get a £10 gift voucher to use on our website or in our shops in South Wales.”
Founded in Cardiff in 1912, A.G. Meek rose to prominence in the 1950s with its popular “Meek’s Sets” — coordinated collections of shoes, bags, and gloves.
News of the closure has sparked sadness among local shoppers, many of whom regard the shop as a part of Gloucester’s high street heritage.
One loyal customer commented, “This is so sad to read as your business is part of the fabric of Gloucester’s history. Sorry to hear you’re closing. I wish you all the best for the future.”
Another added: “Really sad especially when other cities seem to be busy still! What will be left for our children?!”
A third simply said: “Soooo sad another loss for Gloucester.”
And another shared: “Awww very sad … always a favourite of mine to shop, such lovely staff as well.”
This news follows another recent blow to the high street, as WHSmith announced a rebrand and store closure in Hanley and Leek — read more about that here.
