Hurst, the much-loved Isle of Wight hardware store, is looking to make voluntary redundancies due to rising costs, growth in local competition and wider problems affecting the economy.
It’s said that the traditional values the firm celebrates in its 166th year come at a huge cost and, much like most independent UK retailers, there are various challenges impacting the business at this moment in time.
As a result of these pressures, bosses are exploring possible interest from valued colleagues for voluntary redundancies. However, there are reassurances tonight that there are currently no plans to close any of the 6 Isle of Wight branches.
Despite being a firm favourite with Islanders, vast growth in local competition has seen customers look elsewhere. This, compacted with rising costs across the board and several external factors impacting the UK economy, has led to a need to review operations.
A spokesperson for Hurst has said:
“We are proud to continue to offer a presence and to play our part in the 6 separate high street communities across the Island.
“We appreciate our customers who continue to be loyal and shop locally with us. Supporting the local High Streets has never been so important”.
The news of pressure on Hurst comes just weeks after it was announced 300 jobs are to be lost at Vestas and that Hovertravel is seeking to reduce its workforce by 17. There was another blow on Boxing Day when it was announced Wyld in Newport had closed with immediate effect.
It has also been announced that Snows Isle of Wight is to close on 5th February due to ongoing market volatility and unforeseen economic circumstances
Very sad news but Hurst as to do what it can to
stay in business, other Companies will be doing
the same.
This is only the start of Job losses, the recent
Labour Government’s budget will create the highest
unemployment in the history of the country.
The plan is to eventually close all small businesses down,
very sad.
Very sorry to hear this for the staff… But a bit like Snows from earlier in the week I’m hardly surprised with the news… used to shop there quite a lot then they became very Hitler like with the car park…. more and more stock got reduced the staff became disinterested when you asked for anything.
Completely need to re-change and focus, have a look at the history of the range and that’s what they take a leaf out of…. not trying to sell products at a huge price generally are mediocre or substandard products.
What utter cobblers! Hursts has survived all the many economic downturns because of its core values: courtesy, competence and competitiveness. The fact that you can’t conform with simple and reasonable car parking is hardly their fault.
I shall continue to “Try Hurst First” for as long as their doors remain open – which I hope wiil be a very long time yet.
I have to agree, some people think they can park
there all day.
Hurst is by far the best Company on the island
and Hurst have to do the right thing to stay afloat,
many other businesses will be doing the same soon
once the budget really kicks in.
Well done Hurst and here’s to the next 166 years.
Hurst is still my favourite island store of which myself and
family will continue to support.
The island is lucky to have such a store, where else can
you purchase just a few items rather than bulk quantities.
Maybe opening 1 hour a day later in the morning and
closing 1 hour earlier in the evening will help keep costs down,
that is what Busy Bees are currently doing.
Too be honest when I have been there early in the morning
it is very quiet, so it seems to be a sensible idea.
Hursts used to be a firm favourite, the home delivery on the Island used to be as stated on the website but sadly in the past couple of years- they have failed to deliver items locally despite having their own delivery service. I waited 10 days for a delivery of an item that was in stock in Newport. I wonder if the Management have heard of Business Plans! I suspect the Management at the top do not understand how to increase the local market which is a shame as we will see more redundancies from the real workers on the ground floor. It will be interesting to see how many managers or back office staff are made redundant. We will see our local shops disappear one by one due to lack of foresight from those at the top! Perhaps I am mistaken and the CEO will reduce his wage due to his lack of ability in taking what was a successful business forward in these difficult times and ignoring the opportunities of retaining and increasing the local marketplace for the hardware stores across the Island. Or perhaps they will buy some badly needed gonks!
Use it or lose it people! It would be so sad to see this Island company in trouble!
Very sad news.
This is the result of having a Liebour government, the only government to put an office tea lady in charge of the purse strings.
I bet she couldn’t even get that right.
Conservatives = brains
Labour = brawn
Come back Bob, the island needs you.
Well done labour and thick as shit reeves form accounts..
They are crashing the economy.
Trump is our only hope.
I see Zuckerberg is finally speaking up on You Tube
with Mr Rogan.
Sadly the writing has been on the wall since the pandemic and ordering online.
I love Try Hurst First but the last few times I have been in the Newport shop over the last couple of years the staff in the kitchen and crockery sections have been standing around chatting and with nearly empty shelves. The only busy ones were in the hardware department. We mustn’t lose the hardware section – you can buy any quantity of nails and screws, get keys cut and receive helpful advice.
So many businesses nowdays employ
loads of unnesseccary baggage.
The recent Labour budget will mean many
businesses will finally take an interest in who
is doing what, many employers don’t have a
clue who does what.
Many more redundancies are on the cards.
The only persons who are safe in work are the persons
working for Government organisations, majority of
them are work shy and are UNACCOUNTABLE!