An Apple Store in the UK is Permanently Closing Later This Year

Apple has confirmed that it will be permanently closing its retail store in the heart of Bristol, England, and there is no replacement in sight.

Apple Bristol CurrentApple Bristol in 2023

Apple Bristol will be closing its doors on Saturday, August 9, due to redevelopment plans at the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, and the adjacent Bristol Shopping Quarter. According to news reports, and a building application, the owner of the property is planning to reconfigure the retail space along Philadelphia Street, where Apple is located. The plans call for a mix of residential buildings, medical facilities, restaurants, and more.

Ahead of redevelopment, the shopping area has faced increasing vacancy rates. A few years ago, Cabot Circus lost a large movie theater.

In a statement shared with MacRumors, Apple said employees impacted by the store closure will be able to continue their roles at the company.

"At Apple, we're always focused on providing an exceptional experience for all of our customers," said Apple. "Due to the redevelopment plans at Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, which include the closure of the section where our store is located, Apple Bristol will close on August 9, 2025. We've loved serving the Bristol community for over 15 years, and our valued team members will continue their roles at Apple."

Apple Bristol first opened in 2008, with the location formerly known as Apple Cabot Circus. The two-floor store still had a classic design that was due for a facelift. The lower level serves as a product sales area, while the upper level provides space for Genius Bar appointments and Today at Apple creative sessions.

Apple BristolApple Bristol in 2008

The company has two other stores in the surrounding areas, including Apple Cribbs Causeway on the outskirts of Bristol, and Apple SouthGate in Bath.

Apple is also permanently closing its store at a dying mall in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook later this month, and it permanently closed its Infinite Loop and Royal Hawaiian stores last year. On the other hand, Apple continues to open new stores, including in Miami, the Los Angeles area, China, Spain, Malaysia, and soon in Downtown Detroit. Apple is also hiring for retail positions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, after it announced plans to expand its retail presence in those countries last year.

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Top Rated Comments

orbital~debris Avatar
8 months ago

> An Apple Store in the UK is Permanently Closing Later This Year

is as informative as

> An Apple Store in the USA is Permanently Closing Later This Year

xD
Agreed.

Also another example of MacRumors relatively recently predilection for clickbait headlines ?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Deej Avatar
8 months ago

Not surprising. Whenever I have been in there it seemed dead as anything. The Bath store is much more lively.

Mind you that whole area badly needs a redevelopment…

The other one in the Cribbs way is stuck in a godawful massive mall. Remote and surrounded by massive parking spaces. A little bit of America in the Southwest of England.

At least Cabot Circus was easily accessible. ?
Ha! Interesting! My observations are slightly different: with the free parking and no low-emissions zone charges at Cribbs Causeway, I’m not surprised that footfall is down and Apple decided to close this one.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bungobungo Avatar
8 months ago
It’s a good team there, I hope any relocations and moves are as easy as possible for them.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
James_C Avatar
8 months ago
Not surprising, Cabot Circus has been in decline for a number of years. Not helped by the Green Zone introduced a couple of years ago. It’s lost a number of anchor stores and the multi screen cinema. We always go to The Mall (Cribbs Causeway) on the outskirts of Bristol, easier for us to get to get too & free parking.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zakarhino Avatar
8 months ago
Sad. This was the first Apple Store I ever visited and the first and only Apple Store I lined up to buy the iPhone 4. Great memories. The team had coffee and croissants for everyone lining up.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NightFox Avatar
8 months ago

A simple search of Bristol Cabot Circus Shopping Centre Apple will show you the reason they’re closing, mirroring the same reason in Chicago :rolleyes:
I asked Siri to do that but she decided I wanted to phone them
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)