W Hurst Issues Update On Freshwater And Ventnor Stores Following 'Overwhelming' Community Response

W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd has issued a company update, which gives hope over a proposed closure, while confirming the end of another.

Last month, the company announced a proposal to close its Ventnor and Freshwater branches, while also identifying the Shanklin branch as being at future risk of

closure.

The latest statement from W Hurst and Sons said:

"The decision was primarily driven by significant challenges posed by the convenience of multinational online retailers and increased local competition from national brands over the past decade.

"We were met with an overwhelming response from the communities of Ventnor and Freshwater, and we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who provided feedback and suggestions.

The high volume of community and colleague suggestions led to an extension of the consultation period, allowing us to thoroughly consider and explore each proposal.

"The consultation process has now concluded, and we are now in a position to provide an update.

"The significant community and local council support received has directly influenced our revised decisions.

"We are pleased to announce that, after careful consideration and extensive dialogue with our colleagues and the communities, we plan to continue trading at our Freshwater branch.

"This decision is subject to a thorough review in January 2026 and the implementation of further cost savings through adjustments to opening hours and staffing levels.

"While this branch remains at risk of future closure, we are committed to making every effort to ensure its continued operation in Freshwater.

"To achieve this, we encourage continued local support and patronage from the community.

"Additionally, the review period for our Shanklin branch, previously identified as being at risk of closure, has been extended.

"Its status will be reassessed alongside the Freshwater branch review in January 2026.

"Regrettably, we must confirm the planned closure of our Ventnor branch on 30 August 2025.

"Despite an extensive review, which included considering all suggestions from our colleagues and the local community, we have been unable to identify a financially viable path to remain open in Ventnor.

"The cost-saving measures applicable to our Freshwater branch would not be sufficient at this location. W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd has proudly served the Ventnor community from its High Street location since 1963.

"It is with deep sadness that the economic pressures of 2025 have necessitated this difficult decision.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the generations of colleagues, customers, and local businesses for their unwavering support over the years in Ventnor.

"This necessary operational adjustment will regrettably necessitate a redundancy program which is in progress.

"The majority of redundancies will be voluntary. While we will make every effort to redeploy colleagues where possible, some roles will be impacted.

"W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd remains committed to providing an exceptional service experience across our retail locations.

"Customers can continue to shop with confidence. While the physical Ventnor store will close, we will maintain our Island-wide delivery service and online ordering system to continue serving customers in this area.

"We understand that online shopping offers a different experience; however, customers can place orders by phone or through our website, www.tryhurstfirst.co.uk, and benefit from FREE ISLANDWIDE DELIVERY on all orders £20 or over."