🔴 RETAIL UPDATE
Trago Mills Closures: Selected restaurants and attractions have shut, but core retail stores remain open.
Trago Mills has confirmed that it is not closing down entirely. However, significant operational cuts have taken place across several locations. Key sites including the Newton Abbot Leisure Park, the Staple Hill restaurant, and the Keg & Kettle in Liskeard have now closed.
Selected departments in the Falmouth and Liskeard stores have also shut, with the company citing financial pressures such as rising energy costs and increased national insurance contributions.
Recent changes include:
- Newton Abbot Leisure Park: Permanently closed
- Staple Hill & Keg & Kettle Restaurants: Closed as of December 2025
- Falmouth Store: Undergoing renovations; two departments closed
- Job Cuts: 24 redundancies confirmed across three locations
Despite these changes, Trago Mills has reassured customers that its retail stores in Cornwall, Devon, and South Wales remain open. The company has urged communities to continue supporting their local branches to help preserve jobs and services.
What Is Trago Mills and Why Is It Important to the UK Retail Scene?
Trago Mills is more than just a store, it’s a retail landmark in the South West of England. Founded in the early 1960s by Mike Robertson, the company began as a humble shed in Liskeard, Cornwall.
Over the decades, it evolved into a beloved chain with a unique identity, part discount department store, part local tourist destination.
Today, Trago Mills operates four sites across the UK:
- Falmouth, Cornwall
- Liskeard, Cornwall
- Newton Abbot, Devon
- Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales
These sites are not just stores, they feature castle-like architecture, sprawling layouts, garden centres, leisure facilities, and restaurants. Trago has always stood apart due to its independence, eccentric charm, and loyal regional following.
In many rural and semi-rural communities, Trago has served as a vital source of employment and affordable shopping. Its loss, partial or complete, would have significant economic and social impact on the areas it serves.
Is Trago Mills Really Closing Down?
The answer is no, Trago Mills is not shutting all its stores. The confusion arose after the company confirmed a wave of partial closures and job cuts in late 2025. Some services and departments have been discontinued, but the core operations remain intact.
Here’s what the company made clear in its official statement:
“Our thanks go out to the many messages of support and compassion over the past month. Our clear message and plea to an (at least in part) adoring public is… if you want a Trago presence in Falmouth, please use us!”
This quote highlights both the gratitude and urgency of the message, Trago is relying on public support to maintain its presence.
What Are the Specific Closures Trago Mills Has Announced?
Trago Mills began closing specific facilities across its sites in response to financial pressures. Here’s a detailed look at what’s already shut down and why:
Closures (Late 2025 – Early 2026):
- Newton Abbot: The Leisure Park and Staple Hill Restaurant both ceased operations in December 2025. While the steam railway remains open, these closures marked the end of some of Trago’s most iconic features.
- Liskeard: The Keg and Kettle Restaurant closed on December 22. Some departments were also shut, particularly those deemed no longer commercially viable.
- Falmouth: Two departments have closed following consultations, with the store undergoing streamlining to reduce costs.
These changes were made with careful consideration and were largely based on performance metrics and long-term sustainability goals.
Which Trago Mills Locations Are Still Operating?
Despite rumours, all four Trago Mills sites are still open for business. However, the extent of their services varies based on the cuts.
Location Status Table:
| Location | Current Status | Notes |
| Newton Abbot | Open (Retail + Steam Railway) | Leisure Park and restaurant now closed |
| Liskeard | Open (Streamlined departments) | Restaurant closed, core store remains |
| Falmouth | Open (Under renovation) | Two departments shut, store continues trading |
| Merthyr Tydfil | Fully Operational | No closures reported |
This continuity ensures that Trago Mills remains a retail fixture in the South West and Wales—albeit in a leaner format.
Why Is Trago Mills Closing Certain Sites and Departments?
Trago Mills has made it clear that its recent closures are not a sign of defeat, but a strategic move to survive escalating costs in an increasingly challenging retail environment.
Rising expenses across multiple areas, energy, national insurance, and wages, have placed pressure on the company’s finances. The Falmouth store, for instance, reported a six-figure operational deficit, prompting urgent restructuring.
“These decisions were not made lightly. We’re committed to keeping Trago alive, but we must adapt to remain sustainable,” said Bruce Robertson, Trago Mills Chairman.
He explained that declining footfall across high street and retail parks has further complicated the situation. Trago’s current focus is on streamlining while preserving as many jobs and services as possible, balancing community value with financial responsibility.
How Many Jobs Have Been Lost So Far?
The closures and departmental downsizing led to 24 confirmed redundancies across the three impacted stores. Here’s a breakdown of the job losses:
Redundancy Overview:
| Store | Number of Jobs Lost | Department |
| Newton Abbot | 12 | 7 from restaurant, 5 from leisure park |
| Liskeard | 2 | Keg and Kettle Restaurant |
| Falmouth | 10 | Retail departments |
While these figures may seem modest in a national context, for small towns and communities, these losses are deeply felt, especially in areas already struggling with limited employment opportunities.
What Has Trago Mills Said to Its Customers and Community?
As someone who’s visited Trago for years, I’ve come to appreciate just how woven it is into the fabric of local life. These aren’t just stores, they’re landmarks, memory-makers, and places where generations have shopped together.
In the face of recent changes, the company hasn’t hidden behind silence. Trago Mills Chairman Bruce Robertson addressed the public directly, stating:
“Our clear message and plea to an (at least in part) adoring public is… if you want a Trago presence in Falmouth, please use us!”
It’s more than a plea, it’s a heartfelt reminder that the future of these regional stores depends on community support. This kind of honesty and humility is rare in retail, and it highlights the strong connection Trago still shares with its customers.
What Might Happen in the Future?
So far, Trago Mills hasn’t announced any further closures, but the company has been clear that it’s actively reviewing its business model.
The future likely holds continued streamlining and adjustments, particularly if operational costs remain high. However, no signs point toward a full company shutdown.
The most optimistic outcome is that the brand will:
- Retain its profitable departments
- Innovate its shopping experience (as seen in the Falmouth renovations)
- Sustain operations in Cornwall, Devon, and Wales
But this will only be possible if public support continues and cost pressures ease.
How Does Trago Mills Reflect the State of UK Retail?
Trago Mills’ story is not unique. Across the UK, independent and regional retailers are facing similar hurdles, spiralling energy bills, wage pressures, and a gradual shift in consumer habits.
The pandemic accelerated a transition to e-commerce, but post-pandemic inflation and cost-of-living challenges have only made it harder for brick-and-mortar businesses to bounce back.
Trago’s decision to close unviable departments and services reflects a growing survival-first mentality within the retail sector. Many businesses that were once robust and well-supported have had to cut back or fold entirely due to the current economic environment.
Real-Time Example:
Take the closure of the Newton Abbot Leisure Park. A once-thriving feature, it became financially unsustainable due to rising operational costs and decreasing visits. The decision to close it wasn’t taken lightly, but the company determined that continuing would worsen the store’s overall financial health.
This real-time decision exemplifies how legacy attractions and services, even well-loved ones, are no longer protected from economic realities.
Trago Mills’ experience is a case study in how retail adaptation is no longer optional; it’s essential for survival.
Trago Mills Closures Summary
To provide a clear snapshot of what has happened across Trago’s four locations, here’s a breakdown of closures and the current operational status:
| Location | Closure Summary | Still Open | Notes |
| Newton Abbot | Leisure Park & Restaurant closed | Yes | Steam railway remains operational |
| Liskeard | Keg & Kettle Restaurant, departments shut | Yes | Core retail services unaffected |
| Falmouth | Two departments closed | Yes | Renovation to enhance experience |
| Merthyr Tydfil | No closures | Yes | Fully operational |
This table highlights the selective nature of the changes. Instead of mass shutdowns, Trago has focused on trimming unprofitable areas to protect the business’s overall health. Most importantly, customers can still shop at each of these locations in 2026.
Conclusion
From my perspective, the news about Trago Mills is a mixed bag. Yes, it’s disheartening to see parts of such a cherished retailer close down. I remember visiting the Newton Abbot site as a child, the castle-like facade, the steam train, the maze of discounted goods. Knowing some of that is now gone feels like the end of an era.
But it’s also encouraging to see that Trago Mills is fighting to stay open, adapting to survive, and calling on its community to help. The soul of the business is still intact, and with enough support, it can continue to serve future generations.
If you’re in the South West or South Wales, maybe the best thing you can do is stop by a Trago store, and show your support the old-fashioned way: by shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trago Mills closing all its stores?
No. While some departments and restaurants have closed, all four core Trago Mills stores remain open.
Which Trago Mills restaurants are shutting down?
The Staple Hill restaurant at Newton Abbot and the Keg and Kettle in Liskeard closed in late 2025.
What are the reasons for these closures?
Trago Mills cited rising operational costs, including energy prices, increased national insurance, and lower customer footfall.
Are more job losses expected at Trago Mills?
No additional redundancies have been announced as of early 2026, but the company is continually reviewing its structure.
Can I still shop at Trago Mills in 2026?
Yes, all four locations remain open for retail shopping.
What is Trago Mills doing to stay profitable?
They’ve closed non-viable departments, streamlined operations, and invested in renovations like those happening at Falmouth.
How can the public support Trago Mills?
Continue shopping in-store, spread the word locally, and choose Trago over big-box alternatives when possible.
