More casualties on the high street

Shoppers reeling from the news on Friday that Jessops, one of only two specialist camera shops in Newbury, was to shut its 187 stores nationwide, learned on Monday night that high street stalwart HMV’s future also looked bleak after it had been placed in administration.
The music and entertainment chain, with a large store in Northbrook Street, was founded in 1921 and employs 4,350 people. It said that its 238 stores would remain open while administrators Deloitte sought a buyer.
Last week, HMV announced a month-long sale, with 25 per cent off prices. It has had financial difficulties for more than a year and has struggled to compete with online retailers.
Lower sales and rising debts led to the selling of parts of its business, including the Waterstones book chain.
However, the news this week that as result of being placed into administration, the store would not be accepting gift cards or vouchers so soon after Christmas has caused storms of protest.
In Newbury, 53-year-old Janet Langham said: “I’m annoyed because my family were given gift cards for Christmas. We just went to spend them and were told they aren’t being accepted.”
She added: “Still, I’ll be sad to see it go as not everyone shops online or downloads music.”
Michelle, aged 28, said: “I don’t shop at HMV because it’s easier and cheaper to go on Amazon.
“Still I’m a bit sad it could be going as it will mean the high street will be full of charity shops.”
Garry Poulson said: “It’s tragic for the people that work in there. And it means there will be less choice on the high street.”
Lewis, aged 23, said: “I think it’s quite sad; I quite like HMV. I have done lots of shopping there.”
Regarding the Jessops closure, joint administrator at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Rob Hunt, said that it was an “extremely sad day for Jessops and its employees”.
He added: The stock will be collected over the coming days and returned to a central warehouse. It will be returned to suppliers if they are entitled to it. “
Again, there was bad news for shoppers. “As a consequence of the closure, Jessops is no longer able to accept returned products from customers,” he added.
For West Berkshire Council's trading standards advice, see the next report.