Carphone Warehouse in Sudbury among branches affected by company's decision to close stores

Carphone Warehouse has announced the closure of all 531 of its standalone stores – with an expected loss of 2,900 jobs.

The move will effect Sudbury’s branch on Market Hill.

After the standalone stores are closed on April 3, the company said it will focus on selling mobile devices and connectivity through its shops in 305 Currys PC World stores and online, which will not be affected by the move.

In a statement, the company said the decision was due to a changing mobile market, including how customers currently buy their mobile devices, connectivity and technology.

Reflecting on the decision this week, group chief executive, Alex Baldock, said: “Today’s tough decision is an essential part of that and is the next step in making our UK mobile business a success for customers, colleagues and other shareholders.”

Around 40 per cent of the company’s employees affected by the closures are expected to be offered new roles within other areas of the business.

The firm confirmed that the move was unrelated to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.