Retail chains confirm commitment to the Borders at the double

Both Poundland and Argos in Galashiels, together with the latter’s outlets at Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Kelso and Hawick, have responded to rumours they are set to close their doors.

The standalone Argos store at Douglas Bridge has remained closed since lockdown began 13 weeks ago, however click and collect services continued to run from the smaller outlets in Kelso and Hawick.

That prompted rumours that the Douglas Bridge shop, which opened more than 20 years ago, was in danger of closing its doors for good.

A spokeswoman told us this week, that is definitely not the case, though.

“This is not correct,” she said. “We reopened a first phase of 145 standalone Argos stores to customers for collections and returns on Monday, June 15.

“We will keep our customers and colleagues updated as and when we re-open more stores.”

Poundland has remained open throughout lockdown.

Its owner, Steinhoff International, said the lease at 95 Channel Street is temporary so its future will depend on the landlord’s intentions.

A spokesman said:“We have no plans to close the store but the lease we have is temporary. We love serving Galashiels.”