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Next to close Isle of Man store with 23 job losses

Alex BlakeIsle of Man
News imagePA Media A Next sign in lower case white letters on a glass-fronted shop.PA Media
Next will close its Douglas store this summer after 25 years on the island

Next is set to close its Douglas store, ending the fashion chain's presence on the Isle of Man after 25 years.

It said it had wanted to keep its Strand Street shop in the Manx capital but since "terms for a renewal of the lease could not be agreed with the landlord... the store will have to close in the summer".

Next said 23 jobs would go as a result of the decision. It is not known whether alternative locations were considered in Douglas.

Kelproperties said Next had sought a reduction in rental payments "considerably less than the previous rental agreement".

News imageA high street store with large glass windows and a central double door opening. Above the doors in a large black rectangular sign with "NEXT" written in white. It is a sunny day but the lower part of the store is covered by the shadows of buildings opposite.
The store has been located on Strand Street for 25 years

The developer said it had been "negotiating with Next on the renewal of the lease for many months".

Next was "intransigent in its offer of renewal", said Kelproperties, adding that it was "not prepared to accept such a reduction".

A spokesperson said it was currently speaking with "two large retailers who have expressed an interest in our Strand Street store".

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