Wynsors to close stores including Gateshead and Sunderland

The Gateshead and Sunderland branches are among 17 UK stores earmarked for closure as Wynsors reshapes its high street estate.

Closing-down sales are under way at some affected stores, including Gateshead, where shoppers can get up to 60 per cent off.

Wynsors, which runs more than 45 stores and sells brands including Adidas, Skechers, Clarks, Timberland, Nike and Crocs, has confirmed several branches will close.

In a statement issued previously, the retailer said: "It's with sadness that we announce that certain Wynsors stores will be closing their doors.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers who have shopped with us and supported the store over the years. Your support has meant so much to the whole team."

Wynsors has not announced a closure date for the Gateshead or Sunderland stores.

The closures come after owner Modella Capital warned earlier this summer about job cuts and changes to its store estate.

It's the latest blow to the UK high street.

Modella Capital has already endured a difficult year, with linked businesses Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop facing major problems.

For shoppers in Gateshead and Sunderland, the closures mean two more familiar high street names will disappear from their town centres.

The 17 stores set to close are in Gateshead, Sunderland, Crewe, Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, Fleetwood, Burnley, Oldham, Salford, Bury, Rochdale, Hanley, Birkenhead, Bootle, Bacup and Bolton.

Earlier this year, Claire's and The Original Factory Shop entered administration, resulting in the closure of 291 stores combined; both businesses are linked to Modella Capital.