Two department stores in Essex, UK, located in Chelmsford's Moulsham Street and Braintree's George Yard Shopping Centre, are set to close in October 2025. The decision follows prolonged financial losses, with neither store having made a profit since 2008.
© Mike Clegg | Dreamstime
Operating under the Quadrant brand and owned by Chelmsford Star Co-op, which also manages 34 supermarkets in the region, the closures were approved in May 2025. The stores offer bedroom and dining furniture, flooring, home accessories, and clothing.
Chelmsford Star stated it has begun a formal consultation with the USDAW union to support affected employees, including exploring redeployment options within the business.
The group described the decision as "very difficult" but necessary due to "long-term and increasing financial losses."
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com