Department stores close after 144 years of trading

Quadrant's shop in Chelmsford city centre first opened in 1881

A pair of department stores have shut for the final time after 144 years in business, affecting the jobs of 51 people.

Quadrant said its shops in Chelmsford and Braintree had been making "substantial and sustained losses" for years.

Shoppers enjoyed weeks of heavily discounted goods, including furniture, clothing and electronics, before doors shut for the final time on Saturday.

"Though this chapter has come to an end, the memories we've shared will always remain," the company said in a statement.

It thanked staff for their dedication during a "difficult few months", adding: "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."

The closure came after the Chelmsford Star Co-op, a 158-year-old group that owned Quadrant, merged with the Central Co-Op.

Its shop in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, first opened under a different name in 1881, and successful trading then led to a second store opening in Braintree in 1991.

However, local Co-op members voted to close the venues in May.

Quadrant spent weeks selling off its goods at heavily discounted prices

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

"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."

The brand has been working with the retail union USDAW to support the 51 employees affected by the closures.

Despite merging with Central Co-op, the Chelmsford Star trading name will continue to be used locally.

The transfer to Central Co-op - which trades across the East Midlands and East Anglia - completed on 15 September.