Currys pulls the plug on its York city centre store

One of the biggest names on the High Street will leave York city centre at the end of next month.

The Currys PC World store on Coney Street is due to close on July 28.

Some of the staff have found jobs at the chain’s branch at Clifton Moor, but others are still looking for a new post.

Not entirely unexpected

The news is a blow to York’s retail heart, but not one that is entirely unexpected.

Because of its location the Coney Street shop has been unable to stock many of Currys’ staple lines – washing machines and other white goods, and the largest wide screen TVs – because people were unable to collect them in their cars.

It was left selling the smaller items in its range, including cameras, tablets and laptops – and although competitive on price, much of this business has moved online.

The departure of Currys PC World follows the closure of BHS a few doors down – although parts of this department store have planning permission to be turned into a bar.

Attracting new shops

York city centre and markets manager Chris Price said work was ongoing in bringing new shops to our retail heart.

He told YorkMix:

Retail specialist Harper Dennis Hobbs compiles a Vitality Index surveying 1,000 retail centres across Britain.

York is at number 46 in the list of shopping destinations in the country and has climbed from position 50.

Bargains to be had

There are some bargains to be had in the Currys’ closing down sale, with sizeable discounts.

But YorkMix was told that the stock is diminishing rapidly so it was wise to go early.

Currys is not the only York shop to go. Already closed is the Chyldes Play toy shop on Goodramgate.

YorkMix asked the owners why they were shutting but they didn’t want to speak to us.

Meanwhile the owners of the shop unit next door, formerly Maynews, are hoping to attract a new newsagent to the shop after its refit.