BBC to shut high street shops

The BBC is axing all of its branded high street shops due to “intense” competition…

The BBC is axing all of its branded high street shops due to “intense” competition. The stores will close by the end of March.

The chain, which is owned by the BBC’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide, sells a range of merchandise including books, videos, DVDs and toys as well as selected BBC-related products that are published by third parties.

A spokesman for BBC Worldwide says that high-street competition coupled with the success of online venture bbcshop.com has led to the decision to close the stores, which include one at Television Centre, a further two London stores and its flagship Norwich brand. The BBC says it will try and reemploy staff within the organisation.