Business leaders pledge to help failing Mansfield store where they can

A Beales sign on its store on Stockwell Gate, Mansfield.

Business leaders in Mansfield have vowed to “help where they can” to secure the future of an iconic town centre store.

Beales, one of Britain's oldest department stores, announced on Monday, January 20, it had appointed KPMG as adminstrators after suffering losses of £31 million, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The store began trading in 1881 and has 22 shops, including in Mansfield’s Four Seasons Shopping Centre, which are now at risk of closure.

Nikki Rolls, Mansfield business improvement district chief executive, said: “In Mansfield, Beales occupies an iconic building and it employs a good number of people. We hope a suitable solution can be found and that its future can be secured. We at the BID will help where we can."

Four Seasons, of which Beales is one of its largest tenants, declined to comment.

An entrance to Beales on Stockwell Gate, Mansfield.

Andy Abrahams, Mansfield mayor, said: “These are challenging times for the retail sector, not just in Mansfield, but in towns and cities across the country. Shopping habits have changed with more people choosing to buy online or at out-of-town retail parks and the impact of those choices inevitably has a knock-on effect on the high street. It would be extremely sad if such an iconic shop as Beales were to close here, but as the council does not own the Beales building and does not set the level of business rates either, we are limited in terms of our influence on the future of this store.

“The council does, however, have a long-term commitment to improving the town centre and is working with partners to secure funding for a variety of major projects we hope will re-invigorate it.

“We have a vision of an attractive, clean and welcoming place where people can explore and experience the market and our unique range of independent retailers, as well as enjoying the evening entertainment, cultural experiences and the expanding café culture.

“The council is very much on the side of businesses and we support them in a variety of ways, including grants for business start-ups, growth and shop-front improvements, to help reduce vacancy rates and encourage more independent retailers to the town.”