German shoe retailer Deichmann is closing several UK stores, with its Newbury Retail Park branch set to shut permanently on February 14 as part of a series of closures affecting towns across England and Wales.
Closing down signs have appeared in the Berkshire town store’s windows, where customers are being offered 25 per cent off all items as part of a final clearance sale ahead of the site’s closure.
A Deichmann spokesman confirmed the Newbury shutdown and said the company is actively searching for alternative premises in the area, signalling that the brand intends to retain a presence in the town if suitable space becomes available.
The announcement has prompted disappointment among shoppers, many of whom say the closure reflects a wider decline in bricks-and-mortar retail.
One customer wrote on social media: “With these closures the retail park is losing its soul”.
Another added: “If you want to go out shopping, don’t come to Newbury, everything is closing down”.
Deichmann said it is working to avoid compulsory redundancies by redeploying staff where possible, with the same approach being applied across all affected sites.
The Newbury closure forms part of a broader pattern of store exits by the retailer.
Deichmann’s Davygate store in York is also set to close, with closing down signs now visible and the branch scheduled to cease trading on March 28.
A UK spokesman said the York store will continue operating until that date while the company monitors opportunities for relocation.
Deichmann is shutting multiple UK stores
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They said: “We are unfortunately in the process of closing our store in York”.
The spokesman added: “We continue trading until March 28 2026 and are keeping an eye on suitable alternative locations in York”.
The company confirmed some employees will be affected by the York closure, although efforts are being made to limit job losses.
The spokesman said: “Sadly, there are colleagues who will be impacted by the closure but the business is endeavouring to avoid redundancies through redeployment where possible”.
Similar assurances have been given to staff at the Newbury store, indicating a consistent approach to workforce management.
Deichmann has seen several UK branch closures
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Another Deichmann branch has already closed this year, highlighting that the Newbury and York decisions form part of a wider pattern of store exits.
The retailer’s Newport store shut on January 11 after serving customers in the Welsh city for 17 years, bringing an end to its long-standing presence in the town centre.
Store manager Tobias Cordus said he had been informed of the closure several weeks in advance of the final trading day.
Mr Cordus said: “We still have the sale items from Black Friday and other sale stock”.
He added: “These items will stay on sale at 50 per cent off”.
The Newport closure also prompted reactions from local residents who expressed frustration at the loss of another high street retailer.
Local resident Russel Jones said: “Another one going from the town in 48 hours shutting shop”.
Other shoppers shared similar views online, with some pointing to the cumulative impact of recent closures.
One resident wrote: “Newport is going to be like Ebbw Vale, a ghost town”.
Another said: “Yet another shop closing in Newport. It has stopped being affordable”.
Deichmann is one of Europe’s largest footwear retailers, operating around 4,600 stores worldwide and employing approximately 48,000 people across the continent.
The family-owned business is headquartered in Essen, Germany and began as a single shoemaker’s shop in 1913 before expanding internationally.
Today, the retailer operates in more than 30 countries, supplying footwear across Europe and beyond.
As of January 2025, Deichmann had 135 stores across the UK, with the majority located in England.
The company closed its York branch
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The company has not disclosed specific reasons for the closures at its Newbury, York and Newport branches.
Deichmann is not believed to be facing wider financial difficulties, although the closures come during a challenging period for the UK retail sector.
The Centre for Retail Research has warned that approximately 17,350 retail sites are expected to close across Britain this year.
The organisation has cited rising operating costs, changing consumer behaviour and continued competition from online retailers as key pressures facing high street businesses.
