A report from the regional newspaper, East Anglian daily Timess, states, Hughes Electrical is closing its Norfolk stores in Diss, Dereham, Hunstanton, North Walsham, Norwich’s Mason Road and Thetford, alongside its stores in Clacton and Wisbech, this Saturday (June 6).
Hughes said it “recognises the need to adapt and evolve its offer” due to increasing operating costs, the rise of online shopping, and changing customer expectations in-store.
A total of 35 staff are set to be affected by the store closures, who were told their roles were at risk of redundancy in group meetings on Monday (June 1).
The business is also proposing to close its Norwich delivery depot in Mason Road, where a further 25 staff could be affected.
An individual consultation process is under way, which is expected to take between one and two weeks.
Those affected will have the opportunity to apply for a number of alternative positions across the business.
Mark Wardell, Hughes CEO, said: “These have not been easy decisions to make. Many of those affected have worked with Hughes for a long time and played a huge part in the business we are today. 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”.
“A smaller physical footprint will allow us to invest more online and in our remaining stores and better serve our communities, whether that’s through retail, domestic rental, or via our business division.”
Hughes Electrical was founded in Lowestoft in 1921.
Ten of its stores across East Anglia – including Fakenham, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Norwich Hall Road in Norfolk, and Beccles, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich Felixstowe Road, Ipswich Martlesham and Lowestoft in Suffolk – will remain open.
Its Colchester store will also remain open.
This item of news is By Adam Barker Business Reporter for East Anglian Daily Times
