Jules B shutters stores in Kendal citing ‘challenging economic climate’

North East-based independent retailer Jules B has closed its men’s and womenswear stores in Kendal, Cumbria, which have been established in the market town for over two decades.

Speaking to local newspaper The Westmorland Gazette, co-founder and Managing Director of Jules B, Julian Blades, blamed the closures on “the challenging economic climate and the sharp rise in operating and labour costs.”

The intention is to now focus on growing Jules B’s online business, though its two stores – one for men and one for women – will remain in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, where the retailer was founded in 1984 by husband and wife team Julian and Rhona Blades.

Jules B celebrated its 40th anniversary as a business only last year, with celebrations having taken place at the Kendal stores, which sit opposite each other at 42-44 Finkle Street and 2-6 Stramongate.

Staff were seen packing up boxes of clothes at the stores on Monday, 3 November, with closure statements displayed on the windows of both stores, reading:“A Heartfelt Farewell to Kendal.

“With great sadness, we must close our Kendal stores due to the ongoing challenges of the economic climate.

“We want to thank all our wonderful customers for their loyalty, friendship, and support over the past twenty years – Kendal has truly meant the world to us.

“You can still shop with us online at julesb.co.uk, where our journey together continues.
“With love and gratitude, the Jules B Team.”

Despite the closures, Blades told the newspaper that he would not rule out Jules B returning to Kendal “in some form” in the future, “when the economy improves”.

In March 2024, Jules B announced it had completed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) following a “major cyber attack” in September 2023, which severely rocked the business.

Restructuring group KSA guided Jules B through the complex CVA process, in what had been a “challenging period” for all those involved in the business.

At the time, Julian Blades said that the business could “now embrace a positive future”, adding that Jules B “eagerly anticipates a renewed era of growth and success” following “remarkable support and confidence extended by over 90% of creditors.”

Jules B sells some of the most covetable brands across men’s and womenswear, including Paul Smith, BOSS, Belstaff, Oliver Sweeney, Farm Rio, RIXO and Mulberry.

Jules B has been contacted by TheIndustry.fashion for comment.