Northampton town centre Clintons emptied of stock - but chain refuse to say if it has closed

Clintons is yet to clarify if any of their five stores across Northamptonshire are on a list of permanent closures.

Northampton town centre's store in Abington Street has been emptied of stock. As of this week, the windows have been obscured with white chalk paint, but the brand's sign remains above the shop.

The long-troubled retailer, formerly Clinton Cards, was saved from collapse by a rescue deal just before Christmas.

But it has been reported that at least three stores elsewhere in the country will not be re-opening after the Covid-19 lockdown ends and bosses at Clintons issued a firm "no comment" when asked if any of their sites in Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and Daventry could follow.

Northampton's Clintons store in Abington Street is in a prime location between the former Marks & Spencer and British Home Stores site, which are both already empty.

Debenhams future in the town centre is also under threat after the department store called in administrators earlier this month.

Clintons chief executive Eddie Shepherd promised in December: “We are confident that this deal will kickstart a new chapter for our business."

But stores in Newquay, Bourne and Wokingham have already shut. Local reports revealed the Wokingham store closed when the Covid-19 lockdown kicked in March but has now been gutted with signs and fittings removed.