York store faces uncertainty as retailer reviews strategy

7:37am Friday 16th May 2008

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UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of an electronics chain store in York city centre after it was confirmed some of the company's stores may be closed when their leases run out.

A spokesperson for Currys said the retailer did not know whether the Currys.digital store in Coney Street, York, would be closed.

The spokesperson said all Currys.digital stores were going to be reviewed and the firm could not make an announcement about which shops might be closed until after that process was complete.

The spokesperson said a decision on which stores might be closed had not yet been made.

In yesterday's statement, DSG international plc, the parent company of Currys.digital, said: "We have announced the new strategy for the company which includes investment in the majority of our stores and a number of new store format trials.

"Some Currys.digital high street stores may be considered for closure when their leases run out, but as the average leases run for another four to five years, we will not be announcing which stores are being considered for closure until much later down the line."

In a separate statement issued by DSG international plc, the company said: "While the majority of the 177 Currys.digital stores make a positive contribution to the group there are up to 100 stores in attractive catchments that most likely will be the focus for future trading. The remaining stores will be closed as their leases expire."

Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We'll have to wait and see what happens, but we would be very keen to see this shop remain in the centre of York because it brings an additional dimension to the high street.

"There's not many high streets where you can still buy such a wide range of electronic goods, because they do tend to be gravitating towards the out-of-town shopping centres."

David Scott, leader of the Labour group on City of York Council, said: "It would be a heavy blow to Coney Street if that particular store was to close, and I would hope the council would do all it could to facilitate the DSG international plc group to stay in York.

"What we don't want to see is any of the major retailers leaving the centre of York.

"It's vital for the people who work in that store and for the economic vitality of the centre of York."

DSG international plc said that, under plans in its business review, which was announced yesterday, Currys.digital would become the high street destination for the latest portable technology.

It said: "White goods, small kitchen appliances and personal care products will be replaced by a greater range of laptops, televisions and other digital products and a much greater depth of accessories."