Next in Barnstaple shuts unexpectedly

Shoppers heading to Next in Barnstaple were met with an unexpected closure again today, as the store posted a notice informing customers that it had been forced to close due to flooding.

The sign, displayed on the store’s front door, explained that the shop would remain closed for the rest of the day, January 8, due to internal repairs needed to fix damage to the ceiling caused by the flooding.

“For health and safety reasons, we are unable to give out parcels due to the ceiling damage being above our front door area,” the notice read.

The notice also read that the store hopes to reopen tomorrow (January 9). 

Next confirmed the closure to the Gazette, with a spokesperson explaining that the store is currently unable to provide a timeline for reopening.

"Unfortunately, I cannot provide a timeline at this point," they said. "What I can say is that we are working to get the store back open as soon as possible, once it is safe to do so."