We saw some shock announcements from big names, including Thackerays, TGI Fridays and The Body Shop.
The independent business which sent the biggest shockwaves across the town was Steffans, when they revealed they were shutting down after 48 years.
The jewellers, which did not make this round-up as the business is set to close its doors in Abington Square for the final time in January 2025, will be a big loss to the town centre.
Unfortunately, there were even more business closures this year than in 2023 – as last year’s round-up featured 17 stores.
Take a look at the businesses that sadly closed down in Northampton during 2024…
5. The Wedgwood & Alberto’s Italian – May 2024
Businessman Mehmet Yetkin ran The Wedgwood pub and Alberto’s Italian restaurant in Abington Street since reopening in the vacant unit in April 2022. However, the owner sadly decided to close both businesses in May due to maintenance costs increasing by more than 200 to 300 percent. Mehmet one day hopes to open Alberto's Italian once again. The venue reopened towards the end of the year. Photo: The Wedgwood
6. The Walter Tull – July 2024
The Walter Tull, in Sixfields, permanently closed in July and this marked the end of an era for the popular, family-friendly pub which had been open since circa 2015. Greene King, the pub’s operator, announced that it would not be renewing the lease on the site months earlier in May. They understood this would come as disappointing news to loyal customers. Photo: Logan MacLeod
7. John Franklin’s – July 2024
Cheese and wine bar John Franklin’s, located on the corner of Guildhall Road and Swan Street, closed down at the end of July. The team took to social media to announce the news with a heavy heart, and many customers expressed their upset and shock after becoming loyal visitors to the venue over its seven years at the heart of the town centre. A new business reopened in the unit later in the year. Photo: John Franklin’s
8. Boost – July 2024
The town also lost Boost Trampoline Park, based in Riverside, at the end of July. The business was located in Northampton for eight years and the owner said that despite lengthy negotiations, it was not possible to secure a lease extension on the site. The team cared relentlessly about creating memorable experiences for local families. Photo: National World