Peacocks, Helston staff told store is closing

Announcing the news on Facebook yesterday, Peacocks' store manager Lisa Croxen said they had no idea the shop in Coinagehall Street was going to close when they came into work yesterday morning (March 23).

She said staff had been told that the chain wanted to remain in the town but could not reach an agreement with the landlord who now wanted them out of the building within a week.

Stock is loaded onto a lorry

Posting on Facebook Lisa, who has been at the store 16 years, said she was "gutted" by the closure announcement.

"It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Peacocks in Helston has closed its doors for the last time today (23rd March). It came as a great shock to myself and the staff as we did not know ourselves until late this morning!

"Peacocks wanted to keep the store in Helston but unfortunately they have not been able to come to an agreement with the landlord, who now wants us out of his building within the week.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 16 years working in the store, starting as a part time colleague and working my way up to be manager for the last 12 years. I am very sad to leave 😔

"I would just like to say to all my staff past and present thank you, you've been amazing and thank you so much to all our customers over the years for supporting us, I will miss you.

"I am gutted not only for myself and staff who have lost our jobs, but also for the town with a loss of another shop."

Signs in the store window

Signs in the window read: "This store is now closed. On behalf of all the staff, I would like to thank all our custmers for supporting us over the years.

"We had less than a day's warning of this store closing, so apologies for not letting you know in advance or saying goodbye, but we didn't know ourselves.

"Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Lisa and the team."    

People living Helston have expressed their support for the staff on Facebook.

Emma Blewitt said: "Such a shame to be reading this. I think the landlord should have taken a good look at town and realised the good Peacocks was going for the town.

"Yet another empty shop. I hope you’ll all be found jobs elsewhere and taken care of."

While Pam Kitchen said: "So, so sorry for all the hard working staff and also sad for Helston as it’s a big gap to fill. Very short sighted landlord."

The store was last under threat in 2012 when the chain went into administration in 2012 but was saved when it was taken over Scottish-based Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

Peacocks have been contacted for a statement.