Co-op fashion and home department stores to close

Midlands Co-operative have announced that its Fashion & Home Department stores are set to close over the next six months.

In a statement released today the chain store blamed the closures on changes in the retailing sector including a growth in internet shopping.

"Whilst our other businesses have flourished, the Society has been incurring substantial losses from the Fashion & Home operation for more than a decade and in spite of sustained efforts to improve performance.

"The latest financial projections indicate a further decline with increasing losses in future years."

Over the next six months, the following stores will be affected:

Chesterfield Department Store, Elder Way

Coalville Department Store, Belvoir Road

Derby Department Store, Exchange Street

Ilkeston Department Store, South Street

Long Eaton Bed Centre, Cross Street

Stafford Department Store, Gaolgate Street

West Bridgford Department Store, Central Avenue

Wigston Department Store, Bell Street