UNCERTAINTY over the future of two major stores on a Llandudno shopping outlet and a national confectionery based in the town has been described as “frightening” by councillors.
The electronics and white goods shop Comet on Mostyn Champneys Retail Park is reported to be one of 22 stores being considered for closure following confirmation by parent company Kesa that the chain is up for sale.
But a spokesman said it ws too early to comment on possible store closures and confirmed Comet did not have a large-scale store closure programme.
Flooring specialist CarpetRight, which also has a unit at the site, last week announced a major loss of profits during the last financial year, adding to speculation over store closures throughout the company.
Chairman and chief executive Lord Harris, blamed “very challenging trading conditions” over the last year.
He said: “Against this background, we have taken a number of management actions to adapt the product proposition while retaining competitiveness in the market. These have been completed alongside activities to address the cost base and to review the shape and size of our future store estate.
“Looking forward, I see no respite from the challenging environment over the next year. That said, I remain confident the Group is well positioned to deliver future profitable sales growth once consumer demand improves.”
The threat of closures is not constrained to the retail parks, with national chain Thorntons, which has a branch in the Victoria Centre employing seven members of staff, looking to close up to 180 stores across the country to focus on franchise outlets.
Jonathan Hart, Thorntons’ chief executive, said: “Although we see the prospect of weakness in High Street footfall and consumer sentiment continuing, I am confident that this strategy is right.”
Doubts over the future of major stores has worried councillors, but Cllr Billy Evans remained optimistic new businesses would be attracted to outlets, like Mostyn Champneys, should closures be confirmed.
He said: “With places like Mostyn Champneys you couldn’t ask for better shopping facilities. I hate to think any closures could not be remedied. They’ve been lucky on the retail parks. A couple of units have become empty, but never really for a long length of time.
He said it was frightening but the “had to keep our fingers crossed.”