THE sudden permanent closure of the Samsung store in Bournemouth town centre has been described as “shocking and depressing” by loyal customers.

Shoppers discovered the electricals specialist in Commercial Road had ceased trading in the past couple of days.

A notice posted on the doors of the store, which is located at the entrance to the The Avenue shopping centre, said the business would not be reopening on the site.

Angela and Alex Locksley came to the store yesterday lunchtime but were stunned to see the doors were locked and the signs advising of the closure.

“It is shocking and depressing really,” said Ms Locksley. “It was a great store with really good people working there.

“They would always take their time to talk to you for ages. The customer service was always excellent, which was a rarity with shops nowadays.

“They were not just trying to sell stuff to you. They would offer their time to give advice, solve your issues and talk you through it. Sometimes we would just go in to say hello to the staff.”

Mr Locksley added: “It was brilliant having the store here in the town. We came in to the town today specifically to sort a problem with a phone.”

Yesterday afternoon, shutters were down in the unit’s windows, while the shutter over the doors were partly down.

No stock could be seen on the counters and shelves and workers could be seen inside the shop.

The notices fixed to the doors said: “Dear customers, this store has now permanently closed.

“We would like to thank you for your custom.

“For any support enquiries, please make contact using the following methods. Telephone: 0330 726 7476. Email: hello@prs-and.com.”

Samsung launched the shop in Bournemouth as one of its first stand-alone branded stores in 2014. The ‘experience stores’ offered a wide range of the company’s products, including phones, tablets and wearable technology.

The Samsung store unit is located next to the former M&S shop, which closed in 2018.

Verve Properties is currently carrying out work to deliver a major renovation of the shopping centre, including a “living wall” covered in greenery.

The Daily Echo has contacted Samsung for comment.