The Lighting Centre to close retail outlet

The electrical contracting and events side of the business will still continue though

ONE of Newbury's oldest and most cherished independent retailers is closing its retail outlet in the town.

The Lighting Centre in Bartholomew Street has been open for 65 years, but due to staff retirement and a perceived downturn in shoppers in the town, the business launched an “End of an Era” final sale on Friday (April 15).

The electrical contracting and events side of the business will still continue, but all stock in the showroom is being sold at half price as part of the total stock clearance.

Managing director, Ian Bennett, said: “The economic situation generally is not good and the problems with traffic and disinterest in trying to accommodate shoppers [in the town], together with staff retirement, has made us decide to close the retail side of the business.”

Mr Bennett, who has been with the company for 54 years, said he had had a wonderful time at The Lighting Centre, adding that the closure was sad for those involved.

He said: “So many of our customers have come in to see us and it is upsetting for a lot because they don't want to see us go.”

Mr Bennett said no closing date had yet been set, although he added it was likely to be at the end of April or sometime in May.