Gainsborough: Bakers say Market Place store has closed down for commercial reasons

The popular store has become the latest business to close in the Market Place area of the town, which has seen several names come and go in the past few years.

Greggs said the decision to shut the Market Place store was made solely for commercial reasons.

Staff at the shop were unable to give their reaction to the news with one staff member simply saying “we’ve been told we’re not allowed to comment or say anything.”

It is unclear how many jobs have been lost with the shop closing and Greggs themselves were not commenting on job loss numbers.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Our priority for the next two to three years is to improve the quality of our existing estate and we are currently reshaping it through a combination of shop relocations, reformatting and some shop closures.”

“The lease on our Market Place shop ran its course and regrettably, a commercial decision was made not to renew it.”

Greggs will still retain a presence in the town with the newer shop in Marshalls Yard remaining open.

However, it will not quell some local rumours that the development and growth of schemes like Marshalls Yard are at the detriment of the traditional town centre shopping areas such as Market Place.

And the loss of the shop is another blow to the Gainsborough local economy.

However, a spokesman for West Lindsey Council said they were working hard with all businesses to ensure all aspects of the town centre’s retail potential was being fully reached.

“The council is committed to working together with local businesses to continue to strengthen Gainsborough town centre and support our traders,” said the spokesman.

“The retail trade is very competitive and the council is delighted that Greggs has recently refitted their shop in Marshalls Yard.”

“There is strong competition in the town centre in bread and confectionary retailing and at times rationalisation is necessary. “

“There is a range of support available to business including retail rate relief for businesses with a rateable value of £50,000 or less.”

“Gainsborough Town Partnership has also launched a grant scheme to help both existing and new businesses improve the appearance of their shop fronts.”

“Last year also saw the completion of the public realm works improving Market Street and Market Place.”

“That, along with the landscaping of the green space at the old Guildhall site, has helped to improve the street scene in the town centre.”