THE town will lose another of its veteran independent retailers this week as Melksham Electrical closes its doors for the last time.
The appliance and electronics shop has been trading in Melksham Market Place for over 25 years, but will be vacated as its lease comes to an end this week.
Steve Savage has worked in the store since it opened and has run it alongside his wife Sue for 23 years.
Steve said, “I am disappointed that we’re having to close down, but the lease is up and business isn’t the same as it used to be – this is our opportunity to call it a day.
“It’s the way the market has been going for the past 15 years, especially now people shop online. Most customers don’t want to pay for quality goods and repairs any more; people will buy something for a low price then throw it away and replace it when it breaks.”
Melksham Electrical is part of Bill Savage Electrical Ltd, which will continue to operate out of its store on Christchurch Street West in Frome.
Steve continued, “I’ve been in engineering since my twenties and I love the technology. I intend to keep helping our customers after we close. We’re really grateful to everyone who has helped us; we’ve been blessed with support from some brilliant tradesmen, staff and customers, and I’d like to thank them all.
“It has also been great to get involved with the Melksham community and local events. Sue and I would like to continue to be part of that.
“As for the shop, it’s in a perfect location in the centre of town and it would be great to see another independent business set up and succeed there.”
Sue, who will be made redundant by the closure said, “I’ve been here for 23 years and it’ll be really sad to close up and especially to not see any of our regular customers any more.
“People have brought in cards since hearing we’re leaving, which has been nice. We’ve been lucky to have such loyal and friendly customers.”
Melksham Electrical will be the third independent trader to leave the town centre in the past 13 months. Gamingalore closed in October after 10 years on Bank Street, and the Sewing Basket ended a 23-year run in the town in July 2014.
