Ann Summers to close Bury store two years after opening

Thursday, 21 August 2025 17:58

By David Murphy

A lingerie chain that arrived with fanfare at The Rock shopping centre in 2023 will shut its doors this Saturday.

The Ann Summers branch at The Rock in Bury is closing permanently just over two years after its grand opening.

The store, which specialises in lingerie and adult products, opened in July 2023 in the former Paperchase unit on Central Street. It was hailed at the time as a bold new addition to the shopping centre’s tenant line-up, joining other arrivals such as Skechers and Kaspa’s Desserts.

Now, two years later, bold signs in the shop window declare that “all stock must go” as the retailer prepares to shut up shop for good on Saturday 23 August.

In a statement, an Ann Summers spokesperson confirmed: “As part of the normal course of business, we regularly review the location of our stores, which occasionally results in new site openings, renovations, relocations, and store closures.

“Unfortunately, we will be closing our Bury store on Saturday, August 23. Our customers can continue to shop with us online or in our nearby stores at Trafford Centre and Market Street.”

The closure comes despite early optimism about the store’s arrival. At the time of the 2023 launch, the company said it was “excited to open” in Bury and promised to bring “sexual empowerment, a good vibe and the expertise that comes with over 50 years of a business doing pleasure.”

The Rock’s centre director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood, had also welcomed the brand, saying: “Ann Summers will be a great addition to our tenant mix... we wish the new team every success here.”

No formal reason has been given for the Bury closure, but the company’s statement suggests it is part of routine estate reshuffling rather than a reaction to local trading conditions.

Local shoppers seeking a final bargain are being encouraged to visit before the weekend, with remaining stock on discount as the site prepares to cease trading.