Copyright birminghammail
A major department store has shut up shop for good after 144 years of trading. Quadrant has confirmed its two locations across the UK have shut, with 51 jobs impacted, in a sad reflection of the demise of the British high street. The group, which was famously known as a department store selling discounts, clothing and electronics, had a huge sale before its Chelmsford and Braintree locations were closed down. It came after Quadrant's owners, Chelmsford Star Co-op, said the business had been making substantial and sustained losses for years, as more and more people shifted to online shopping - especially after the pandemic. READ MORE: M&S makes major five-day change to collection service ahead of Christmas Day Local Co-op members voted to close the venues in May, with the company said to have been running weeks of discounts prior to its official last day of trade on Saturday, October 25. Chelmsford's branch was first opened in 1881 under a different name, while its Braintree sister branch opened in 1991. The group has since merged with the Central Co-op, with the transfer being completed on September 15, however, the Chelmsford Star trading name is still being used locally, the Sun reported. It also added it had been working with USDAW to help the 51 people impacted by the closures. Quadrant issued a heartbreaking note of thanks to its staff members prior to shutting down, sharing how grateful it was for their dedication over the difficult few months the brand experienced. READ MORE: Katie Price claims she's kissed three Hollywood stars including popular singer Chelmsford Star Co-op said in a statement, which has since been taken down from their official website: “To our incredible Quadrant colleagues, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the care you’ve shown every single day, particularly the last difficult few months. “You’ve been the heart of our stores, and your teamwork and spirit made both branches so much more than just a place to shop. “To our loyal customers — thank you for your support over the years. Your smiles, stories, and friendship have meant the world to us. It’s been an honour to be part of your community. “Though this chapter has come to an end, the memories we’ve shared will always remain.”
