Rent increase 'busts' lingerie store as Ann Summers set to close

Friday 31 May 2024

A well-established lingerie store in town is closing despite having its "best year ever" in 2023, its manager has revealed – after the branch was faced with a major rent increase.

Stacey Sharkey, who spent 10 years as manager of the Ann Summers shop by West's Centre, said staff were left "tearful" and "shocked" after learning that the store would close next month.

"We found out three weeks ago," she explained.

"Our manager flew over from the UK and just told us that due to rent increases and not finding another suitable shop in town that had a good rent, they've had to pull out."

Stacey added that the branch had its "best year ever last year", but explained that the rent increase would have been "triple" the current rate.

However, the store manager is taking the closure as an opportunity to start her own business.

Pictured: Stacey hopes to open her own store – Tease and Please – in July.

'Tease and Please' is set to open in Market Street by 15 July.

Stacey explained: "It's going to be listed as a sex shop, but it's going to be much more for men as well – Ann Summers is very women-based.

"I'm going to go down the route of men's toys, men's underwear and that kind of stuff."

She added that there would be "better quality on a lot of items, and a lot more choice".

"The reaction has been great so hopefully everyone will show their support," said Stacey.