Premier Foreways, a sub-chain of the Premier stores brand, has announced it will close all of its UK stores after entering liquidation. The five shops, all located in Carlisle, Cumbria, are set to close for good, with Armstrong Watson appointed as liquidator.
Stores close after 40 years of trading
The chain has operated for 40 years since opening. Each Premier Foreways outlet traded under the Premier brand but remained independently owned throughout its operation. The stores have long been regarded as cornerstones of the local community, having served residents for nearly four decades.
Locals described the closures of the Wigton Road, Bedford Road, Blackwell Road, Newlaithes Avenue, and Warwick Road stores as a 'shame'. One resident posted on Facebook: "They've been there so long. Hope the staff find something else."
Owner praised by staff and customers
The mini-chain was owned by Billy Bone, who has received widespread praise on social media from former members of staff and loyal customers alike. One former employee said: "Good employers like this are few and far between, and I know many of the staff who have worked for them over the years will wholeheartedly agree. They will be sorely missed in the community."
Mr Bone, who launched the first Premier stores in Carlisle, described the decision to enter liquidation as a difficult one. A spokesperson for Armstrong Watson said: "We can confirm that Armstrong Watson has been instructed by the directors to assist them in placing the company into liquidation."
Future of the stores uncertain
The Premier brand operates more than 4,000 shops across the UK, the vast majority of which carry the Premier signage but are also independently owned. It remains uncertain what the future holds for the stores.
Full list of Premier Foreways stores to close: Premier Foreways, 69 Wigton Road, CA2 7AY; Premier Foreways, 16 Bedford Road, CA2 5QE; Premier Foreways, 309 Blackwell Road, CA2 4RS; Premier Foreways, 123 Newlaithes Avenue, CA2 6PP; Premier Foreways, 264 Warwick Road, CA1 2BX.
