The Classic Furniture shop is closing down. Picture by Laura Holme.
A FURNITURE shop in Newport is to close its doors permanently after 20 years of trading.
Classic Furniture, in the High Street, which has a factory in Cowes, has been hit by the recession and unable to compete with cheaper imports.
David Cox, one of the directors, said: "I started 20 years ago with a friend, Stuart Simmons.
"We also supplied nine outlets on the mainland but four of those closed down about a year ago and the others were selling less. We struggled on trying to keep it going but there comes a point where we have done all we can."
At its peak, the company had 15 staff. The remaining team of three will lose their jobs.
Mr Cox added: "We would like to thank all our many customers, who have been loyal to us over the past years.
"We would also like to thank our staff for their loyalty and hard work, especially Paul Collins, who has been with us since we opened."
Meanwhile administrators for national photographic chain Jessops, which has a store in St James Street, have confirmed they are to close all 187 shops.
Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk