ONE OF the last independent electrical shops in Hampshire has closed its doors after 50 years in business.

Derek Gedye (Sales) Ltd in Alresford, has been forced out by competition from the national chains and the internet.

Its owner, Simon Gedye said: “It is a sign of the times. We got to the point that people come in to pump us for information and then buy on the internet.

“One woman came in and I showed her six kettles off the shelf. Then she said ‘I just want the serial number so my daughter can buy it off the internet.’ They use us as a social service.

“I think there are two independents left, and the other is closing in October. We have been the last men standing.”

Mr Gedye said his furniture business, The Walnut House Company, has been subsidising the shops for ten years.

The shop on Broad Street offered repairs to electrical goods. “No-one repairs irons now. They just chuck them away.”

Televisions that used to cost £750 are now just £250, squeezing margins.

“If people don’t use us then they lose us. People have said they are disappointed we are shutting but I haven’t seen them for four or five years.”

He paid tribute to his long-serving staff Rodney Bunce, an employee for 46 years and Joy Turner, 30 years.

Asked whether he was bitter, Mr Gedye said: “It is a bit of everything. In one way it is a relief. In one way I’m very unhappy. Rodney was with my father as an apprentice.”

As to the future of the market town of Alresford, Mr Gedye said: “It will be just clothes, charity and coffee shops. People say where are we going to shop now you are closing? I say ‘you should have thought of that!’ I’m desperately sorry we are closing but a lot of customers haven’t been to us for years.”

“If they don’t support the greengrocers or the butchers, they will go too.”