Popular high street brand announces all UK stores to close

After 158 years, Quadrant department stores in Essex have closed their doors for good, affecting around 51 staff members. The stores, located on Moulsham Street in Chelmsford and George Road in Braintree, shut on Saturday, 25 October. Their website now carries a message thanking customers: "Our stores are now closed. Thank you for your custom over the last 158 years."

The company confirmed that both branches had been experiencing "substantial and sustained losses" for several years. In the weeks leading up to the closure, the stores hosted a massive closing down sale, with final reducations of 55% on a wide range of products, including fashion, furniture, beds, small electricals, and housewares.

Chelmsford Star Co-op said in a statement: "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."

The company said that neither of the stores have made a profit since 2008.

One local shopper reacted to the news in the comment section of the Facebook post stating: "So sad to see this lovely store close. I loved shopping there and I loved working there for a few years (In the office). Good luck and all the best to everyone. You'll be much missed."

Someone else wrote: "Never have l worked in such an amazing two stores and l'm very sad, it's the end of an era. Good luck to all the colleagues l have met your are an amazing group of people. Love and hugs. Sorry l couldn't say goodbye to everyone."

The closures follow the merger of Chelmsford Star Co-op, which had owned Quadrant, with Central Co-Op. The Chelmsford store first opened on Moulsham Street in 1881 under a different name, and its success led to a second store opening in Braintree in 1991.

Local Co-op members voted in May to close both stores citing financial difficulties that were worsened by changes in shopping habits, particularly the rise of online retail, a trend accelerated by the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Chelmsford Star Co-op said in June: "The department store business has been making substantial and sustained losses for many years.

"These challenges have been made worse in recent years by shifts in consumer behaviour - particularly the move to online shopping which was further accelerated by the pandemic."

Quadrant has been working with the retail union USDAW to support the 51 employees impacted by the closures. While the Quadrant stores have closed, the Chelmsford Star trading name will continue locally following the completion of the transfer to Central Co-op on 15 September, the BBC reported.