A much-loved British retailer has announced the closure of three stores after more than 80 years in business, with a major clearance sale now under way. Lakeland Leather, which was founded in Cumbria in 1955, has confirmed it will shut branches in Carlisle, Gretna and Kendal following decades of trading in the region.

The company, known for its own range of leather handbags, jackets and sheepskin goods, grew from its Lake District roots into a nationwide high street name. The closures come as traditional retailers continue to grapple with rising operating costs and shifting consumer habits.

Like many established brands, Lakeland Leather has faced mounting pressure from online shopping and fast fashion competitors, alongside reduced footfall in town centres.

The Carlisle store’s lease expired in January, and the business has opted not to renew it, triggering a significant sale across the remaining stock. Shoppers have been told to expect substantial discounts as the branch winds down operations.

Felldale Retail, which operates stores on behalf of Lakeland Leather, described the move as a “difficult decision” taken in response to an increasingly challenging trading environment.

“Like many retailers, we are operating within an increasingly challenging trading environment, with rising costs and lower footfall continuing to impact parts of the high street,” a spokesperson said.

“We have taken the difficult decision to close our stores in Carlisle, Gretna and Kendal due to lease expiry.”

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The company stressed that no firm closure date has yet been set and that discussions with staff are ongoing. It added that it is consulting employees on alternatives to closure and exploring potential cost reductions with landlords and other stakeholders to help save stores.

Lakeland Leather said it recognises this is “a sensitive time” for employees and expressed hope that some staff members may be able to relocate to nearby branches in Keswick, Bowness or Ambleside.

The retailer said it is committed to supporting affected teams through the transition.

Despite the store closures, the wider business remains profitable. According to Felldale Retail, Lakeland Leather increased sales by more than 7% last year.

Digital performance has been particularly strong, with online sales now accounting for the majority of group revenue and delivering more than 20 per cent growth for a third consecutive year.