Chichester baby shop 'dedicated' to supporting staff as closure looms

It’s not clear when Jojo Maman Bebe, on South Street, will close – an official spokesperson for the chain said no official date has yet been revealed – but the company said it has promised to support staff as best it can.

"Unfortunately we are due to close our Chichester store, we are dedicated to supporting our employees through this transition and will provide assistance and resources to those affected,” a spokesperson said.

“JoJo remains dedicated in our mission to deliver exceptional products and services to all of our customers, and we will value this with every decision that we make. Our focus will be to continue providing high-quality services, strengthening our remaining stores and expanding our omni-channel capabilities to meet the demands of our customers.”

JoJo Maman Bebe was once a feature of British high streets, with close to 100 stores up and down the UK, but the number of stores has dwindled over the last few years, as owners look to shift their attention to a primarily online presence. This latest update just weeks after JoJo closed its flagship store in Cardiff. Opening in 2010, it attracted visitors from all over the city, and its closure marks a shift in strategy for the long-running children’s clothes brand.

Nor is Jojo Maman Bebe the only shopfront retreating from the high street, with WH Smith, a landmark name since the Victorian era, set to disappear after owners agreed to sell its current fleet of shops.