Trespass closes Leicester store on March 31

An outdoor clothing retailer called Trespass is closing one of its stores in Leicester at the end of March. This decision comes shortly after another closure at the Hillstreet Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough. The Leicester store will shut its doors for the last time on March 31. Trespass has recently closed multiple locations across the UK, including shops in Norwich and Sutton Coldfield. Just last month, it began a closing sale in Middlesbrough. The Leicester store is now offering discounts of up to 60% as part of its own closing down sale. The reasons behind these closures are unclear, leading to speculation among local residents. Some believe it could be a local issue in Leicester, while others feel the brand has been struggling for years. A few shoppers have expressed that high street shopping is declining, suggesting that only coffee shops and well-known brands are likely to survive. Retail experts warn that the sector is facing serious challenges in 2025. A report predicts around 17,350 retail locations could shut down this year. This follows a tough 2024, where 13,000 shops closed, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The British Retail Consortium has highlighted increasing costs for retailers, which may lead to higher prices for consumers. These pressures could result in job losses in the retail sector, potentially surpassing levels seen during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, some Trespass locations have managed to survive by relocating rather than shutting down entirely. The chain still operates around 300 stores, and some of its shut branches have been successfully reopened in new locations.