Westcliff London Road Celco Lighting closing for good

Bosses at Celco Lighting, in London Road, have announced they will be closing for good. 

The business opened in 1945 and has been a mainstay in the area ever since, but owner Jason Edwards has revealed falling trade, increasing bills and the growing number of “online competitors” has made business harder than ever.

Now, a 30 per cent off “all stock must go” sale has been launched before the long-standing business shuts. 

Owner - Jason Edwards (Image: Newsquest)

Customers, including 71-year-old Julie Oatley, of Woodgrange Drive, have been left disappointed by the news. 

She said: “It’s sad to hear because it was such a lovely shop.

“I’ve bought many things in there, including one of the lights in my flat.

“What kept me coming back was just how friendly and helpful the staff were.

“What’s even sadder is Southend is supposed to be a city, but it seems to be deteriorating.

“We should be investing and trying to keep businesses open rather than have them closing.

“However, online shopping is having a big impact on that because people prefer that method.

“For me, I enjoy going into independent businesses but that’s slowly being taken away.”

The shop sells a wide selection of products, from modern to traditional, including fantasia fans. 

It also has a large display of handmade Tiffany Lighting.

Announcing the news, Mr Edwards, said: “It’s with great sadness that I’m having to close my shop Celco Lighting.

“Due to lack of trade, Southend is not the shopping destination it once was. We have increases in rent and utility bills and online competition getting ever tougher.

“I’ll miss all my customers whether you have purchased from the shop once or multiple times.

"Some customers have been visiting the shop for years and have become friends, as well as customers.

“I now need to clear all my remaining stock. All items are subject to a 30 per cent discount.”

An earlier version of this story stated that Celco Lighting would be closing on Saturday, however this was incorrect and the shop will remain open until the end of June. We apologise for any confusion or upset caused.