The much-loved Isle of Wight retailer W Hurst & Son has announced that it intends to close it’s Ventnor and Freshwater branches, and has put it Shanklin branch at risk of closure.
After 166 years of trading, a shifting retail environment has led to the company launching a strategic realignment of its operations to ensure long-term sustainability.
Continuing downward pressure on sales and footfall, a trend that has persisted since the COVID pandemic, has led to the decision, despite proactive and ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving consumer shopping habits.
Hurst say the business is facing significant challenges stemming from the convenience offered by multinational online retailers and increased local competition from national brands.
Furthermore, blame has partially been put on the Labour Government’s budgetary measures which have led to rising operational costs. Global external factor and the broader UK economy also play a part.
A recently-completed, comprehensive financial review has led to the company making the difficult decision to announce plans to close the Ventnor and Freshwater branches.
Island Echo asked the company back in February about the planned closure of Ventnor, but it was stated that it was ‘completely untrue speculation’.
Additionally, Hurst is undertaking a thorough assessment of its Shanklin branch, which is now at risk of potential closure.
The company is committed to exploring all possible avenues to maintain operations in Shanklin and will closely monitor performance and trading conditions before a final determination is made.
The news comes just 5 months after Island Echo reported that the company had entered the period of consultation with staff over voluntary redundancies.
It has been confirmed that the proposed 2 or 3 branch closures will, sadly, lead to a further redundancy programme.
Bosses are now set to begin a consultation process with colleagues, prior to any final decisions being made.
Stores in Cowes, Ryde and Newport will remain open, with the company’s Island-wide delivery services also continuing.
A spokesperson has said:
“W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd expresses its deep appreciation for the years of support from the communities and loyal customers in both Ventnor and Freshwater. Trading will continue in these locations throughout the Summer, with proposed final closures anticipated upon the sale of the properties.
“It is with considerable sadness that W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd acknowledges the impact of these decisions on its valued colleagues, many of whom have demonstrated remarkable long-term commitment to the company.
“The dedication and extensive product knowledge of the entire team have been instrumental in achieving positive service ratings, customer feedback and awards.
“W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd encourages local businesses with customer service-focused openings to consider these skilled individuals and welcomes reference requests if this proposal were to go ahead.
“W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd extends its sincere gratitude to its colleagues, customers, and local business partners for their unwavering support over the years. The company remains focused on strategic evolution and looks forward to continued support as it adapts for the future”.
You can read more about the history of the company, which began trading in 1859, at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/the-enduring-legacy-of-w-hurst-son-trading-on-the-isle-of-wight-since-1859/.
This was just a matter of time, they simply cannot compete with online providers. You only have to visit the Newport store to see a large reduction in stock, changes in opening times.
Just another example of changing times, the decline in street stores, not to forget all the new rises in costs, and quite simply the ever-increasing lack of money being experienced by so many.
This current Government have left many people with less
money in their pockets since their dodgy budget.
It’s hard not to question whether the management team has engaged in any meaningful workforce planning to anticipate future staffing needs or align resources with the company’s long-term goals—assuming such goals even exist at this point.
Why next-day delivery on the Island is not available is particularly disappointing. Given the geographic realities of the Isle of Wight, reliable and timely service is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. This suggests either a serious misjudgment or a lack of investment in infrastructure and customer experience.
I’m also left wondering who will bear the brunt of these changes. Will it be front-line workers, many of whom are on minimal wages? Or will the impact be shared across management and office staff—excluding, of course, those based in Freshwater and Ventnor? Transparency on this would go a long way in building trust.
Perhaps it’s also time for leadership to reconsider what the business is trying to be. There was a time when this company was valued as a dependable, local ironmongers—something the community genuinely needs and appreciates. Moving away from that identity may be part of the problem, not the solution.
Ultimately, these decisions raise serious questions about the capability and experience of those at the top. Do they truly understand the community they serve? Do they have the vision to turn this situation around?
A thoughtful review and a renewed commitment to local relevance and service would be a step in the right direction—before more damage is done and we lose all the Hursts shops and incredible frontline staff.
Sad to hear this. Use the Ryde & Newport stores frequently. Staff always very helpful.
I have to agree, very helpful and very knowledgeable staff.
I am upset they are closing stores.
Who in their right mind would use a National ‘supermarket’ type ‘hardware store,’ when we have, here in Newport, a traditional ironmonger with it’s own car park? PLUS personal service!
Some people are not loyal. I would pay more
and I do pay more to use Hurst rather than an
High Street giant!.
Good.
Why?
Must be a B&Q employee
Lol
It’s the weirdest response
Well done Labour for making it hard for small businesses to trade
That is the World Economic Forum’s plan to put an
end to small businesses.
And to kill off cash
The absolutely inevitable consequence of
Labour’s anti business budget. I’m sure Sunshine will agree………
This is sad news but unfortunately to be understood in this world we live in. Online shopping especially Amazon is rapidly destroying our high streets and the public must carry the burden of responsibility by patronising this method of shopping.
More losses of things we like to have, and more losses of jobs thanks to the shit show
Very sad to read but it was only a matter of time,
the governments last budget was the final nail in the
coffin for many businesses.
The most expensive part of running a business
is paying employees, less employees = more profits.
Also why have more than 1 branch on a small island.
Newport is the best branch to keep open.
It offers parking for customers and people can
easily drive to Newport.
Less branches also = less rents and rates etc.
Woolworths had too many branches on the island and
failed in the end, Poundland are in a similar position
Hurst don’t fall fail to the same situation.
1 branch works well for B&Q, B&M and Home Bargains.
Keep up the good work I will still go to Hurst first.
It’s a great pity ,that we are losing another shop,that has been in island high streets for years.
This is what the government call expanding the economy
They are finishing off the UK economy.
And, so it begins, the consequences of the crazy decision by a clueless chancellor to raise taxes to the detriment of small independent businesses while big overseas companies get away with paying peanuts.
This is very sad news. It will be sorely missed as will the wonderful staff.
So true.
A small but significant tragedy if the closures come to pass. I use the Freshwater branch several times a week. The staff could not be more friendly, helpful and efficient and I have only ‘beaten’ them once in several years when seeking something unusual (it was striped paint on the first day of last month). Recent purchases have included kitchen scales, double -sided carpet tape, strimming wire, oversized cup hooks, rat poison and black stove polish. A closure would mean a trip to Newport just for such trifling but important ( to the buyer) purchases. We have excellent bakers, butchers, fish and veg shops, several food and newspaper outlets and any number of ‘retro’ and overpriced bric-a-brac shops, but how can a proper village not have a hardware store ? Please don’t go Mr Handy Hurst…
Well done bloody Rachael Reeves, thick as a oak plank destroying the UK.
All labour MPs must be getting payouts from Blackrock.
Quigley is just as bad, another one I wouldn’t trust with a barge pole.
All part of the Agenda.
Large slice by large slice Labour is destroying our country. From paying £31 Billion to give away the Chagos Islands to a country that has never had anything to do with them, to handing the EU our fish for 12 years for no possible gain. They killed thousands of pensioners by taking away the Winter Fuel Allowance so they could pay train drivers £80,000 a year for blackmailing the travelling public. In a multitude of ways they have increased the cost of doing business so that firms such as Hurst are forced to close. Labour is on track to destroying enterprise, entrepreneurial activity, and driving out of the country all the wealth makers. And for what? The worst public services in Europe, the worst health outcomes in Europe, potholes in all our roads, and opening our doors to unskilled immigrants who contribute little or nothing to the country and are openly hostile to our Chistian way of life.
Those people who voted for Labour should hang their heads in shame.
You are absolutely right, but if we dare say anything about immigration we will likely be banged up, while rapists, wife beaters and murders are let out to make room for people who say it like it is.
Our Fathers and their Fathers did not fight in
2 world wars for what is sadly happening to
this once great country.
Wow Robert, the rest of us can put down our pens. Where’s Sunshine when you want to hear from him?
This bollocks bout the pandemic..got nothing to do with that move on was 5 years ago..people just don’t shop like the used to toolstation screwfix B&Q are the new go to..order online go pick it up ..sorted.
It does not help that they don’t open on Sundays, which is one of the only days working people can do DIY.
Really?
Personally I think if they have to close stores then it is the Newport one that should go and they should leave the smaller local stores open.
If I am forced to go to Newport then it won’t be to Hurst as I may as well go to one of the big chain store types and not have the hassle of the tiny Hurst car park.
Currently I “pop into Hurst” locally for all sorts of bits and pieces but if it has to become a designated 30 mile return trip to Newport then Hurst will miss out.
Thank you Ms Reeves. I thought you promised to grow the economy.