Internet blamed for store closures

Posted 22/08/2012

The internet has been blamed for the decision to close down East Anglia furniture store Hovells, which had shops in Lowestoft and Norwich.Director Jonathan Butcher explained the rise of online shopping had made it harder for the firm to compete in the marketplace.Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, he stated staff members are currently being consulted about plans to cut 25 jobs as a result of the move.”Obviously the background is that the economic conditions are very tough and the furniture industry is incredibly competitive,” said Mr Butcher, who added the cost of importing goods from the Far East has shot up in recent years.Some 90 per cent of the materials used by Hovells come from the Far East and he explained the rising costs made it hard to keep the business afloat.Earlier this month, the Lynn News reported that Melton Blinds’ new business address at the Flitcham Barns workshop units are closed and customers have been left out of pocket as a result of the failure of the firm.