ProCook, which bought Steamer Trading Cookshop (and its Kitchens stores) in a pre-pack administration deal in January, has announced the closure of five Steamer Trading stores as well as Kitchens’ Cardiff branch at the end of April.
Stores to close include Steamer Trading’s striking and contemporary styled flagship in Guildford, which opened towards the end of 2009. Brentwood, Hereford, Stamford and Witney branches will also close.
ProCook’s owner, Daniel O’Neill cited the “tough economic climate and unworkable property costs” as the reasons for the closures. He states: “This necessary decision will enable us to concentrate our resources into the remaining stores and website and continue delivering on our ambition to grow both the Steamer Trading and ProCook brands.”
Daniel has some positive news regarding remaining stores, confirming that: “We’ve been working tirelessly since the purchase of Steamer Trading back in January to establish new relationships with suppliers and landlords, and we’re close to securing leases on 21 stores.”
The shops are also benefiting from the introduction of ProCook’s own-brand products with “100s of new product lines,” says Daniel.
Top: Steamer Trading’s Guildford branch is among six stores to close, as ProCook concentrates on a bright future for remaining shops.
