Hughes, a long-standing electrical appliances retailer founded in 1921, has announced the closure of eight of its stores as part of a strategic shift towards bolstering its online presence and investing in its remaining outlets.
Stores Closing This Weekend
The eight stores, which will shut at the end of business on Saturday, June 6, are located in Clacton-on-Sea (Essex), Dereham (Norfolk), Diss (Norfolk), Hunstanton (Norfolk), North Walsham (Norfolk), Norwich Mason Road, Thetford (Norfolk), and Wisbech (Cambridgeshire). The closures will affect 35 staff members. Additionally, a proposed closure of the company's delivery depot on Mason Road could result in 25 redundancies, a spokesperson confirmed.
CEO Statement
Chief executive Mark Wardell informed staff of the decision earlier, stating that they would receive full support through what he described as a 'difficult process'. He acknowledged that many affected employees had been with the company for a considerable time and had 'played a huge part' in the business.
In a statement, Hughes explained: 'The business recognises the need to adapt and evolve its offer in the face of rising operating costs, the increasing popularity of online shopping, and changing customer expectations when it comes to the modern in-store experience.' Wardell added: 'These have not been easy decisions to make. All will receive the honesty, respect, and support they deserve through the difficult process ahead. We understand the news will be very upsetting for our teams, but we have acted now to ensure the long-term success of the business.'
Remaining Stores
The company will continue to operate its 10 other East Anglia stores, located in Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Beccles, Norwich Hall Road, Bury St Edmunds, Fakenham, King's Lynn, Ipswich Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, and Colchester.
