British health chain with more than 700 stores announces closure of seaside branch after more than a decade

A BRITISH health chain with more than 700 stores has announced the closure of a seaside branch. It has been at the site for more than a decade, but will close in a matter of weeks. Holland & Barrett is set to shut a Dorset branch next month in a move that has frustrated locals Credit: Unknown Holland & Barrett in Ferndown, Dorset will be rolling down the shutters for the final time on September 2. From next month, shoppers will instead have to visit nearby stores located at Ringwood and Castlepoint. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! A spokesperson for the health-food company has confirmed that the branch will shut down, but was unable to say the reasons for closure at this time, reports the Dorset Echo. Residents have expressed their frustrations about the closure online, with one local resident saying that it is “every single person here” who “is to blame for shops shutting down”. They added: “It’s that simple.” “The saying ‘Use it or lose it’ works perfect here.” Another reminded residents that a local health store is still open in the town for those hoping to continue to buy similar products. “I just wanted to remind everyone that Ferndown does still have a local health shop that has been a small family-run business for over 35 years now,” they wrote. Most read in Money Holland & Barrett first opened in 1870 and currently has stores in over 20 countries. It sells a range of health and wellness-focused products, including vitamins, foods and drinks. The Sun has contacted Holland & Barrett for further information. Comment now