LOSS OF BIG NAME BRAND LINKED TO ONLINE RETAIL

THE imminent closure of Next in Middlesbrough town centre has been described as “regrettable” and a “real blow”.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Tees Valley Conservative mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough's Labour mayor Chris Cooke have reacted to the news that Linthorpe Road's Next store is closing down.

The fashion and homeware retailer is set to cease trading this Saturday, July 12, with building owner Nasser Din describing the development as “very sad news”, adding that, in his view, the destination of choice seems to be Teesside Park, with people no longer visiting Linthorpe Road

He also gave his thoughts on the involvement of Tees Valley Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Council.

Mr Cooke said that whenever big names are lost, it is “regrettable”, adding that his thoughts were with affected staff, while highlighting that the closure is part of a national trend linked to the “dominance” of online shopping and changing customer behaviour.

Looking to the future, he said: “We've got to get the mix right - that will be a combination of retail and leisure alongside providing new places to live.”