7 store closures in Welwyn Hatfield over the last two years

Well-known high street stores had announced downsizing, not renewing leases or shutting down completely, putting many jobs at risk. 

After three national lockdowns enforced by the Government multiple popular stores have seen all but essential stores close on each occasion. 

1. New LookNew Look in Hatfield Town Centre shut down. (Image: Danny Loo)

New Look was one of the last standing clothing stores in Hatfield but at the start of 2021, the store shut its doors. 

The store had been given a notice to vacate the property after New Look disagreed with the Prideview Group over rent payments. 

A 2019 planning application – which has been granted – will saw the ground and basement level retained for retail use.  The ground floor has been converted to an extension of the Europa supermarket 

2. GAPGAP which used to be located in The Galleria has shut down. (Image: Galleria)

Another store to shut down in The Galleria in Hatfield in 2021 was the GAP store, a US fashion retailer. 

Gap decided to shut down all its stores in a phased manner as they look to go online-only. 

3. PeacocksPeacocks in Hatfield shut down. (Image: Newsquest)

Fashion retailer Peacocks which were located in Hatfield two centre shut its doors in 2021 as well. 

The 7,000sq ft store had opened in October 2015, but was hit with closures since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

Peacocks had been replaced by Poundstretcher recently, with hopes the store will boost the economy in the area.

The new store is part of the continued transformation of Hatfield as the town continues its regeneration under the 2030+ partnership in order to secure its long-term prosperity, by delivering new shops and businesses.

4. NextNext, the fashion retail store has shut down in WGC. (Image: Newsquest)

This year, Next, which was located in The Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City, also shut down its store in January. 

5. Marks and SpencerM&S in Howard Centre shut down. (Image: Newsquest)

Marks and Spencer was another store within The Howard Centre that shut its doors in April this year. 

6. HalfordsHalfords in WGC shut down. (Image: Newsquest)

At the start of 2020, Halfords, the UK’s largest retailers of motoring and cycling products and services, did not renew its lease in Welwyn Garden City and closed its Howardsgate store.

7. DebenhamsDebenhams in The Howard Centre shut shop. (Image: Nina Morgan, Newsquest)

In 2019, Debenhams announced that its Welwyn Garden City’s store and 21 other branches would shut down in 2020. 

At the time the department store went into administration, selling its entire ownership to its creditors.