Argos confirms city store closure

Argos told customers they can find their stores inside Sainsbury's stores

Argos has confirmed its store in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday.

The company said the decision was based on a range of factors, and that it was supporting colleagues at the Festival Park store with redeployment.

Posters were placed in the window advised customers they could find alternative Argos stores inside Sainsbury’s in Stoke as well as Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Shoppers told BBC Radio Stoke they were “sad” and “shocked” by the announcement.

There are also standalone Argos stores in Tunstall and Longton.

Shopper Debby said it was a shock.

“It's a bit inconvenient when you want to come and collect something and now you’ve to travel to Longton.”

She added: “A lot of businesses are leaving the shops, Hanley’s becoming a dead city.”

The store at Festival Park will close for the final time on Saturday

Susan said: “I reckon it’s really sad. I know we can go to Sainsbury’s in Stoke but that’s a lot more difficult for parking and further for people to go.”

“I hope it’s not going to have a knock-on effect,” she added.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “As we continue with our plan to transform Argos and offer even more convenient ways to shop with us, we are reducing the number of standalone Argos stores we operate while opening more Argos stores and collection points within Sainsbury’s.

“As part of this plan, and regular reviews of our property estate, we have made the difficult decision to close our Stoke Festival Park Argos store this Saturday evening.”