North East-based independent retailer Jules B has closed its store on Osborne Road in Jesmond, Newcastle, “until further notice”, following a ram raid at 3.15am yesterday morning.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Jules B said it was “deeply saddened” to report that the shop was “severely damaged”, and will take time to repair before it can reopen.
It’s the latest setback to hit the retailer following the forced closure of its two stores in Kendal, Cumbria, in November 2025, as it cited a “challenging economic climate and the sharp rise in in operating and labour costs”. Both the men’s and women’s stores had been established in the market town for over two decades.
Prior to that, in March 2024, Jules B announced it had completed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) following a “major cyber attack” in September 2023, which severely rocked the business.
Addressing its customers, the latest Facebook statement reads:
“This has been a real shock to our team, and after everything the past few years have thrown at us, it’s another tough hurdle to face. Your kindness, loyalty and encouragement are what keeps us going during moments like this, and we truly can’t thank you enough for that support.
“While we work on getting back on our feet, you can still shop with us online at julesb.co.uk, where we’ve put together some amazing bargains as part of our final reductions promotion. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.”
No-one is reported to have been injured in the ram raid, and it’s as yet unclear as to what stock, if any, was taken.
Jules B was founded in 1984 by husband and wife team Julian and Rhona Blades.