Premier Foreways, a five-store corner shop mini-chain in Carlisle, has entered liquidation after nearly four decades, with all locations set to close. The stores operated under the Premier brand but are independently owned.
All five stores to close
The five stores in Carlisle are set to close, with Armstrong Watson appointed as liquidator. The affected locations are on Wigton Road, Bedford Road, Blackwell Road, Newlaithes Avenue, and Warwick Road.
Each store has been described as a staple in the community after being open for nearly forty years. Locals said the closures are a 'shame'.
Community reaction
One resident posted on Facebook: “They’ve been there so long. Hope the staff find something else.”
The mini-chain was owned by Billy Bone, who has been praised on social media by many previous employees and regular customers. 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."
Liquidation confirmed
Mr Bone opened the first Premier stores in Carlisle and said the decision to enter liquidation was 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," reports the News and Star.
The Premier brand has more than 4,000 shops across the UK. A majority of these stores carry the Premier signage but are also independently owned. The next steps of the stores are currently unclear.
