A LONG-RUNNING family business in Christchurch is set to shut up shop after 67 years trading in the High Street.

Jarvis Radio is one of the longest established businesses in town, passed down through four generations of family members.

But to a combination of factors – including the bank not giving the business the same overdraft on the same terms as before – has led to its closure.

The business is currently run by Keith Jarvis, managing director, who takes care of the sound system side of the business and his brother Paul, and Keith’s son Nigel, who manage the retail business.

But the shop, which has been a familiar landmark in the High Street for decades, is due to close on Thursday.

Keith Jarvis, whose grandfather Gerald Jarvis established the business back in 1944, said: “As with anything there is never one particular thing that has led to this.

“But the main problem is the bank will not give us the same overdraft on the terms as before.

“We’re obviously also in the middle of a recession. And although we have weathered three recessions before, business has changed.

“The internet has taken over and major retailers like Tesco and others are offering products at ever-lower prices.”

Despite the difficult circumstances, the family said they have been overwhelmed by the support from loyal customers.

“There has been an outpouring from customers and traders alike,” Keith said.

“We can’t believe the way people have been, we’ve had people coming in saying we’ve been here longer than they’ve been alive and can’t imagine the High Street without Jarvis.

“We’ve passed the mantle of the longest running business in Christchurch over to Mathews shoe shop now.”

Keith and Nigel said they hope to keep the sound system part of the business running as well as continuing to provide an installation and rental service to customers.

Nigel said: “Ideally we can still offer a service without supplying the product, such as set-up and aerial installations and we are hoping to put something together to go back to our core values.

“We’ve always believed in customer service but the way our products are sold is now different.”