An electrical store has been forced to shut its doors after 65 years of trading due to “tough economic conditions”.
However business leaders say that despite the sadness at the closure of the Lowestoft Electrical store in London Road North, the town is still “enticing to retailers”.
The shop was a prominent feature on the town’s high street, occupying a prime slot between Beales department store and Tesco.
But a notice on the front window of the now closed store read: “We would like to thank all our past and present customers for the support over the last 65 years.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to continue trading in these tough economic conditions.”
Earlier this week, Tuttles Corner cafe in Station Square also announced it had closed, citing high business rates as the main cause.
Harrison Woodrow Plumbing and Heating Ltd, which was based in the same unit as Lowestoft Electrical, also placed a notice on the window telling its customers it had moved to Beccles and would be offering the same services.
The Lowestoft Electrical store is not to be confused with Lowestoft Electrical Group, with offers electrical and mechanical design, installation and maintenance services from its base in Wilde Street.
Dan Poitras - chairman of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district (BID), which represents retailers in the own centre - said: “Lowestoft Vision is sad to see the closure of Lowestoft Electrical after 65 years.”
However despite the closure, he believes growth in the town’s offshore energy industry and the number of groups working together to improve Lowestoft means there are plenty of opportunities for retailers.
“We continue to work for businesses to help promote Lowestoft in general as a town of opportunity,” said Mr Poitras.
“Lowestoft has new business coming in, in support of the East Anglia ONE wind farm.
“As new businesses come in, that means more capital in the area - which makes the area enticing to retailers.
“We’re also fortunate to have several proactive groups in Lowestoft that work together for its benefit.”
Lowestoft Vision is part of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, which is able to “introduce businesses to the options to further their ventures in Lowestoft”, Mr Poitras added.
Lowestoft Vision also organises events throughout the year to help draw visitors into the town centre, including a recent one which explored the area’s history.
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