London has lost a beloved shop that has been around for nearly 100 years. City Radio Stores, located on Bond Street in Ealing, has closed, leaving many customers heartbroken. They described it as "the best electrical shop in the world."
The store opened its doors in 1929 and has been a key part of the Ealing community. Over the years, it has faced tough competition from larger chain stores. Peter Burford, the owner, has decided to retire after running the shop for 31 years.
Peter shared his journey, saying he started working there at 38 after a career in wholesale. He expressed sadness about the closure but felt it was time to step back. Despite having loyal customers, no one has shown interest in buying the store.
Customers have shared their feelings about the closure. Many said they would miss the shop’s expert advice on electrical products. One customer, Ching-Wa Peter Lee, recalled growing up next to the store and felt sad about its closing.
Another customer, Andy Nash, commented on the sadness of losing traditional shops that have served the community for so long. The shop also had a unique stained glass feature above its entrance, which many hope will be preserved.
Ealing Civic Society Chairman, Robert Gurd, expressed regret over the closure. He highlighted the shop’s unique art deco front and hoped any new owner would restore it carefully.
The high street has faced many challenges, including online shopping and rising costs. In the first half of 2024, nearly 7,000 shops closed in the UK, averaging 38 closures each day. This trend shows the struggles of local businesses in today’s economy.
Image Credit: metro.co.uk