Kathrine Frich
The Albany Road location, one of its most iconic branches, is set to shut its doors on June 14, 2025.
The Albany Road location, one of its most iconic branches, is set to shut its doors on June 14, 2025.
A.G. Meek’s decision to close its Albany Road store is more than a local retail story, it’s a snapshot of a nationwide problem.
Economic pressure is mounting, historic shops are disappearing, and communities are left wondering what’s next for their high streets.
Closing Its Cardiff Store
Founded in 1912, A.G. Meek has served generations of customers in Cardiff with boutique-style service and premium footwear.
But the Albany Road location, one of its most iconic branches, is set to shut its doors on June 14, 2025.
It marks the end of an era for a business that has weathered two world wars and multiple recessions, only to be undone by today’s harsh retail climate.
Only Three Stores Remain
Once a staple across Wales, the chain will now operate just three stores, as well as its online shop.
The decision to close was driven by rising costs and the need to consolidate operations around the strongest-performing locations.
For many loyal customers, this feels like the shrinking of a once-familiar part of Welsh retail heritage.
Tax and Cost Pressures Are Forcing Retailers Out
A.G. Meek directly cited higher National Insurance contributions, now at 15%, and a significant cut in business rate relief (from 75% to 40%) as key drivers behind the closure.
These financial burdens are making it increasingly difficult for small and mid-sized businesses to stay afloat, especially in physical retail.
A Final Sale Marks the Goodbye
As the shop winds down, a closing-down sale is underway, offering 50% off winter boots and 15% off all other stock.
For some customers, it’s an opportunity for savings; for others, it’s a bittersweet farewell to a shop they’ve relied on for years.
A Grim Summer Looms for the UK High Street
A.G. Meek is far from alone. Major UK chains like Beales, WHSmith, and Morrisons are all scaling back.
Beales’ last remaining store in Poole is set to close on May 14, bringing an end to a department store brand that began in 1881.
WHSmith has already begun closing branches and expects to shutter 20 more stores in 2025.
Communities Are Feeling the Loss of Local Identity
Beyond the economic numbers, the closures represent the slow erosion of local character.
A.G. Meek’s Albany Road shop wasn’t just a retail outlet, it was a fixture of the neighbourhood.
As more long-established shops disappear, residents are left with fewer options, less variety, and a growing sense that the high street they once knew is fading away.
Business Leaders Say the Model Is ‘Unviable’
Retail executives like Beales CEO Tony Brown have been vocal in their criticism of current economic conditions, blaming increased taxes and wage pressures for making high street retail “unviable”.
Their message is clear: unless policy shifts, more closures are inevitable.