An independent London shop which has lasted almost 100 years has finally had to close their doors in the latest blow to the high street.

City Radio Stores on Bond Street, Ealing, has shut leaving customers ‘distraught’ claiming it was ‘the best electrical shop in the world’.

The store first opened in 1929 and has been a staple of the high street in Ealing which has come to be dominated by chain retail companies.

Owner Tim Riley, who has been running the store since 2014, said he was unable to renew lease for financial reasons.

Despite the store’s loyal customers, there is no word on any buyers willing to take over the business.

Former owner Peter Burford retired after running the store for 31 years in 2014.

He told Ealing Today: ‘I was 38 when I came into the shop – I was working in wholesale and this was my first job.’

Customers told Peter they will be ‘in the dark without the shop’ as the shop had such excellent electrical knowledge.

Ching-Wa Peter Lee wrote on Facebook: ‘I grew up in the 70s in my father’s restaurant next door, so was sad to hear that City Radio will be closing down.’

Andy Nash added: ‘It’s always sad when traditional shops like these close after a lifetime of serving their community.’

The shop front also has a unique front, with stain glass installed above the entrance way.

Peter said: ‘I really hope whoever takes it over will keep its unique frontage and doesn’t try to strip it away.’

Ealing Civic Society Chairman, Robert Gurd, says: ‘We are sorry to hear that City Radio Stores is due to close.

‘The unique art deco shopfront is a rare survivor and we hope that any new owner will sympathetically restore it.’

The once-thriving British high streets have been struggling with the dawn of online shopping, rising costs and the coronavirus pandemic.

In September, it was revealed 6,945 shops closed in the first six months of 2024, amounting to an astounding 38 shops per day across the UK.

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