THIS year has been a difficult one for so many of us. 

2023 has seen some of the lasting effects of the Covid pandemic still gripping the country and the cost of living crisis tightening its hold on many households and businesses in the UK. 

Unfortunately, may businesses in the area have been forced to close their doors for good. 

Towns like Whitehaven have seen a steep decline in stores on the high street for many years. 

This roundup shows some of the key businesses which have had to shut up shop in the area. 

Wilko's

Wilko's has been a firm favourite on our high streets for decades selling a range of household appliances, DIY equipment, health and beauty products and much more. 

2023 saw the closure of Wilko's stores all across the county with Whitehaven's branch closing earlier this year. 

Wilko's was a much-loved shop by the people of Whitehaven and was positioned right in the heart of the town on Lowther Street. 

 

M&Co

The news came after the chain, previously called Mackay’s, fell into administration for the second time in two years in December 2022.

Administrators at Teneo put the business up for sale with an auction deadline for interested buyers.

Their brand and intellectual property were sold to Yours Clothing but the stores weren't and are set to close.

 

Simply Food & Drink

The newsagent and Off License in Whitehaven closed its doors this autumn. 

The shop was frequented by locals who came to buy everyday goods and alcohol from the shop. 

 

Tommy Lee's Soft Play

Tommy-Lee's Soft Play on the town's Queen Street, which opened in July last year, expressed its sadness about having to close its doors but thanked customers for their continued support.

The soft play zone recently made headlines for fundraising efforts towards the Henderson Suite at Whitehaven Hospital as well as offering haircuts for little ones by transforming part of the premises into a mini hair salon.

 

Little Whims 

The news that the Market Place shop was due to close was announced via the business's Facebook page.

Owner Lara Schwab has run the shop for the last six years and owned her own business for the last 10 years. 

Lara thanked her customers for supporting local businesses - and her dreams.

 

Clinton Cards 

Clinton Cards closed its doors on Mother's Day this year. 

This was around the time that banking giants like Natwest and HSBC also left Whitehaven's high street for good.