U Need Us: Challenging times blamed for Portsmouth shop closure

DIFFICULT times for businesses on the high street have been blamed for the closure of one of Portsmouth’s oldest shops.
By Kimberley Barber
Published 11th Feb 2019, 11:18 BST
Updated 11th Feb 2019, 12:21 BST
U-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur RahmanU-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur Rahman
U-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur Rahman

U Need Us, a party wear and toy shop in Slindon Street, announced yesterday that it is to close after nearly 96 years trading. 

Owner Steve Searle  said: ‘It was founded by my grandfather in 1923. I am very proud to have been a part of it. 

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‘Sadly the high street is a difficult place to be with the increasing costs involved and the reduced footfall, as is the case in all of our town centres. It makes it a very hostile environment to try and make a living from and sadly it is no longer viable.’ 

U-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur RahmanU-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur Rahman
U-need-Us in Arundel Street Picture: Habibur Rahman

The shop will be holding a sale to clear stock before it closes in a few weeks time.

Steve added: ‘I have no idea what we are going to do when we close the shop. It has been my life for the past 35 years. It is a sad day for all of us - and all of our staff.' 

The news shocked Portsmouth shoppers and has prompted thousands of messages of support on social media. 

It also follows news last week that Knight & Lee in Southsea, one of the city’s oldest department stores, is to close in July, after more than 130 years in business. 

 

Related topics:PortsmouthSouthsea