Store to close after change in High Street - owner

Jarrolds first opened its Wymondham store in 1986

A town's store will close almost 40 years after it first began trading due to the "changing face of the High Street", said its owner.

Jarrolds in Wymondham, Norfolk, which is owned by the Jarrold Group based in Norwich, will close on 14 September.

The group said the "hard decision" was made following the evolvement of "customer buying habits".

The four members of staff at the store in Middleton Street would be offered support to find alternative employment, the company said.

John Adams, the group's retail managing director, said: "We are very proud to have served the town of Wymondham for 38 years, but high streets and shopping habits have changed dramatically in that time.

"Whilst the number of dwellings in and around Wymondham has increased, the town centre grows noticeably quieter each year, with the closure of vital services such as banks and the Post Office."

In September the company changed the name of its stores from Jarrold to Jarrolds, to reflect what it was called by customers

Jarrolds took over the former Jacksons building in Wymondham in 1986.

The store mainly focused on stocking gifts and home products, but went on to sell cookware, carpets and flooring.

In September the company changed the name of its stores from Jarrold to Jarrolds, to reflect what it was called by customers.

Between October 2022 and February 2024, the Wymondham store housed the town centre's Post Office.

Mr Adams added: "The Post Office's decision to close the branch earlier this year has clearly made a difference to footfall in our store and the town centre in general.

"Sadly, Wymondham town centre is no longer the right location for a Jarrolds retail store."

A report published by Wymondham Town Council last year claimed 6% of the town's retail units were vacant, which was less than the average for Norfolk.