Bonmarché set to close its Galashiels shop

It’s believed the women’s clothes shop will close its doors for good on Tuesday.

The move comes after the company went into administration in October. It was hoped a new buyer could be found, but that has not happened quickly enough to save the Galashiels store.

Galashiels councillor Euan Jardine said: “It is very disappointing news that Bonmarché is closing and I sympathise with the employees that work there. In terms of the ongoing growth of vacant properties, I have personally written to many established retailers in the hope that they see Galashiels as a viable option.

“Unfortunately, you cannot drag people into a vacant property, but we need to try and promote Galashiels as somewhere worth investing.

“In many other aspects of the town centre, Scottish Borders Council alongside Energise Galashiels are being very proactive in trying to find other alternatives.”

Bonmarché has not responded to our request for comment.

The store was last threatened with closure in 2012, with eight jobs in the balance, but strong customer feedback and the landlord agreeing to a reduced rent led to a U-turn.