Family-run electrical firm to close eight outlets
GoogleAn independent electrical appliances company says it will shut eight of its 18 outlets and 60 jobs will be lost.
Hughes confirmed some of its smaller retail stores across East Anglia would go, and instead it would be investing more in online trading and its remaining shops.
Chief executive Mark Wardell said staff were informed of the decision earlier and said they would be supported through the "difficult process".
The delivery depot in Mason Road, Norwich, will be one of the outlets closing.
In a statement, Hughes said: "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 said many of the people affected had worked for the company for a long time and had "played a huge part" in the business.
"These have not been easy decisions to make," he said.
"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."
The seven stores and the one delivery depot closing at the end of business on Saturday will be:
- Hunstanton, Norfolk
- Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
- North Walsham, Norfolk
- East Dereham, Norfolk
- Mason Road, Norwich
- Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
- Thetford, Norfolk
- Diss, Norfolk
A total of 25 staff facing redundancy at the depot have been told they can also apply for alternative positions across the business.
The closure of the shops will affect 35 staff.
The company said it would continue to operate its 10 other East Anglia stores of Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Beccles, Norwich Hall Road, Bury St Edmunds, Fakenham, King's Lynn, Ipswich Felixstowe Road, Martlesham and Colchester.
It was founded in 1921 by Frank Hughes, with its first shop opening in Lowestoft in 1928.
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