Shoppers have expressed their disappointment as a beloved electrical retailer has announced the closure of one of its branches. Hughes Electrical, an independent retailer with 22 stores across the UK, will be shutting down its branch in Ely High Street, Cambridgeshire, on February 17. The news has sparked sadness among customers, with many taking to social media to share their fondness for the shop.
Shoppers Share Their Sadness
Customers have expressed their sadness over the closure of the Hughes Electrical branch in Ely. One shopper described the store as "wonderful" and praised the staff for their professionalism and knowledge. Another shopper lamented the closure, saying, "Soon there won't be any shops. Ely is dying." This sentiment was echoed by others who believe that the closure is another blow to the struggling high street.
High Street Closures on the Rise
This closure is part of a larger trend of high street closures in Cambridgeshire. Game in Huntingdon High Street closed earlier this month, as well as several branches of Clinton Cards. Halfords also closed its site in the Meadowlands Retail Park last year. The pandemic, high energy costs, and the shift towards online shopping have all contributed to the struggles faced by high street retailers.
Challenges Faced by Retailers
Many retailers have been hit hard by the pandemic and are struggling to stay afloat. Rising energy costs and the growing popularity of online shopping have forced some businesses to make difficult decisions, including closing stores. Wilko and Paperchase are among the major brands that have collapsed recently. Furthermore, data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that sales volumes dropped by 3.2% in December, indicating the challenges faced by retailers during the Christmas season.
More Closures on the Horizon
The closure of the Hughes Electrical branch in Ely is just one of several closures happening this month. WhSmith in Oban, Scotland, will also be closing its doors for good on February 17. Additionally, Boots has announced plans to close 300 stores in the next year as part of its brand evolution.
Overall, the closure of the Hughes Electrical branch in Ely is a blow to shoppers and another sign of the struggles faced by high street retailers. The changing landscape of retail, coupled with the impact of the pandemic, continues to pose challenges for businesses in the UK.
