Two department stores close after almost 160 years

Two Essex department stores under the Quadrant brand have now closed.

The stores situated in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, and George Yard Shopping Centre, in Braintree, closed for the final time on 26 October 2025 following a closing down sale.

The stores sold bedroom furniture, beds, dining room furniture, flooring, home accessories along with clothing.

Owners, Chelmsford Star Co-op, previously said that neither store has made a profit since 2008, prompting the decision to close, which was approved back in May. The group also manages 34 Co-op supermarkets across Essex.

A statement from the group said: “The Chelmsford Star Board made the very difficult decision in May 2025 to propose closing both stores permanently in late October 2025, due to long-term and increasing financial losses. These stores have not made a profit since 2008.

“Chelmsford Star is now in a formal collective consultation process with USDAW, and is committed to supporting all affected colleagues, including exploring opportunities for redeployment elsewhere in the business.”

In an updated short statement confirming the closures, it read: “Our stores are now closed. Thank you for your custom over the last 158 years.”

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