'That's a blow', shoppers shout as electronics retailer closes 'beautiful' branch
SHOPPERS are disappointed after a much-loved electronics store announced it will close one of its branches for good.
Hughes Electrical has 22 stores in the UK, including branches in Norfolk, Ipswich and Suffolk.
The independent retailer was founded in 1921 and offers a range of services from deliveries to appliance rentals.
But now the chain has announced plans to shutter its branch in Ely High Street, Cambridgeshire, on February 17.
Shoppers took to social media to share their sadness at the decision to close the store, which some had described as “wonderful”.
One customer wrote in Google Reviews, “What adjectives can I use about Hughes Electrical of Ely?
“Amazing, caring, very professional, good knowledge of the merchandise and most importantly, won't stop until they solve a problem.”
One Facebook user said: “That's a blow. I guess we can look forward to a new charity or coffee shop!”
Another added: “Oh so sad. Lovely people who work there, so knowledgeable and helpful.”
A third added: “Soon there will be no more shops. Ely is dying.”
And a fourth wrote: “Another nail in the coffin for high street.”
It comes after Hughes Electrical closed its branch in Spalding, Lincolnshire earlier this month.
On Facebook, shoppers said it was a “huge shame” to see it close by.
A number of high street retailers have disappeared from Cambridgeshire's high streets in recent months.
Match at Huntingdon High Street, Cambridgeshire, closed on January 14.
The Cambridgeshire branch of Clinton Cards is one of dozens of branches the retailer has closed in the past year.
In addition, Halfords closed its Meadowlands Retail Park location early last year.
More main street closures
Retailers have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.
The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are in the pipeline.
Several major brands have also collapsed, such as Wilko and Paperchase.
Many retailers are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.
This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
British retailers saw the amount of goods sold fall last month, at the fastest pace in three years, as under-pressure households moved some of their Christmas shopping to earlier this year.
Sales volumes fell 3.2% in December, Office for National Statistics data showed, compared with a 1.4% increase a month earlier.
Several major chains are pulling down the shutters for the last time this month.
WhSmith in Oban, Scotland, will close permanently on February 17.
While Boots has revealed it will close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.
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