New possibilities for former Beales department store in Poole

Beales has announced their Poole department store inside The Dolphin will be closing on 31st May 2025.  

Tony Brown, CEO of Beales said, “It is with deep regret that today we have had to inform our team that the store will be closing. 

“Thanks to the recent National Insurance increases, the National Minimum Wage increase and the reduction of business rates relief to 40%, approximately £200,000 has been added to our costs, which makes the business unviable. 

“We have been in discussion with The Dolphin and Legal & General who have been supportive, to ensure the NHS can remain and continue to treat patients. 

“Our people have been the backbone of the business, and we were confident in the future until the new budget was announced. I would like to thank them all for the energy they put in to make the business work. They are truly a fantastic team.” 

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of The Dolphin said, “We’re very sorry to see Beales go after so many years at The Dolphin. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the store’s closure, and we’ll do everything we can to support former Beales employees to find employment elsewhere.” 

Whilst no future plans have been confirmed for the former Beales store, The Dolphin and Legal & General are currently exploring new opportunities to reimagine the space.