The Marlborough branch of Phase Eight, which opened on Marlborough High Street over 20 years ago, is closing on Tuesday June 1st. Phase Eight becomes the latest clothing store casualty and follows The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Monsoon, Jack Wills and Jaeger all of which closed in the last year.
Karen Coulthard, Manager of the Marlborough branch of Phase Eight, who has worked for over 15 years in the shop, told Marlborough.news, “I will miss the fabulous team here, all our lovely customers and the rapport we have enjoyed with our customers. I am very sad the branch is closing.”
Announcing the closure on the Marlborough Notice Board on Facebook, Karen said, “Our lovely team would like to thank all of our regular and visiting customers for making our job so much fun and giving us the pleasure of helping you with your outfits. We have made so many friends and enjoyed all of our conversations with you. Please pop in if you get chance. We would love to see you.
On a personal note I would like to say thank you so much to all the ladies I’ve worked with over the years. What great teams we’ve built and what amazing, caring and supportive ladies you all are. I will so miss working with you and how big will that WhatsApp group be!! I’m looking forward to the reunion parties.
Take care everyone. Wishing you all good health and happiness.”
The post led to an outpouring of appreciation from Marlborough shoppers for the service, the friendly caring staff and the great clothes.
The fallout from the pandemic and the growth of online shopping meant that Cirencester and Sherborne branches of Phase Eight closed in 2020. The closure of Debenhams, who sold Phase Eight clothes has also affected the business. In Marlborough the lease was about to expire. In the current tough retail climate is the cost of a new lease in Marlborough prohibitive?
Further along the High Street, there is good news. The Edinburgh Woollen Mill premises are being taken over by Eversfield Organic. Opening soon the organic farm shop will have a butchery, a wild fresh fish counter, a cheese and charcuterie deli, a wine cave, a café, tapas and wine bar and a takeaway. They are also hiring staff.
Former railway line cycle track above Tesco – to extend, or not to extend?
