Homebase's Sunderland branch is the latest to have hit the buffers.
The company has confirmed it is to close the store in three months' time. In a statement it said:

"Following a consultation with colleagues over the past few weeks, Homebase can confirm it is closing its store in Sunderland on September 6, 2014.

"Discussions are taking place with affected colleagues to find alternative employment in our neighbouring stores in Washington and Gateshead, as well as our sister company Argos, that has stores in Sunderland on High Street and Hylton Retail Park."

Some 30 people are employed at the branch.