Ashby Shop Closure: Why PC Clinic Is Shutting Its Doors
By Graham Hill 4th Mar 2020
The co-owner of PC Clinic Technologies in Ashby has revealed the reasons why the Huntingdon Court-based computer and laptop centre is closing after 10 years in the town.
Phil Barnfield posted a message on Facebook last Sunday saying it was a 'reluctant decision' and the time had come to move on.
But he told Ashby Nub News that the reason for closing the doors was a combination of personal reasons and a downturn in the retail market.
Phil admitted he will be sad to leave Ashby but intends to carry on as a mobile business and hopes to stay in touch with his customers.
He said the online message had brought a 'heart-warming' response.
"I've nothing bad to say about our time in Ashby and a lot of people have said they're gutted', said Phil.
"That's heart-warming - but we have to go with our heads.
"Things have changed from a retail point of view.
"We opened up a gaming room upstairs to try and get the younger generation in, but we had to reluctantly close that down.
"The younger ones are interested in the gaming side, but they will go on Amazon to buy - Jeff Bezos has a lot to answer for.
"Give it five or 10 years and people just won't venture out. It's a bit of a shame."
The store will be open throughout March, but then Phil says it is time for a change in direction.
"Service wise things are still up there, but I'm planning to have a call-out based service anyway, operating in South Derbyshire, Burton and still around Ashby," he said.
"We started around 12 years ago and moved from Swadlincote to Ashby in another unit, and seven years ago we moved here.
"It's not a financial reason, we're still growing, but you have to put yourself first - I really didn't want to do this.
"The customers who have used us continually, we owe a lot to. Without them, we wouldn't be here now. We've also built a brand up which is also frustrating.
"I will be looking to contact and keep in touch with some of my regular customers.
"Over the last nine months there has been a downturn in retail, it is definitely a declining market."
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