Family-operated electrics store to close after 52 years

A long-established electrics retailer, operated by the same family for 52 years, is scheduled to cease trading permanently on Christmas Eve. Maureen Stroughair founded All Types Electrics in Rotherham in 1972, and her four children assumed control following her passing six years prior. The siblings were raised in a residence connected to the Fitzwilliam Road premises, which have undergone expansion throughout their history. Susan O’Brien, daughter of Mrs Stroughair, attributed the family’s decision to discontinue operations to “changing shopping habits.” She further stated: “Since Covid it’s got a lot worse. We can’t compete with some of the big shops but luckily we have had loyal customers that have come in. But it just gets harder and harder.” Following Mrs Stroughair’s demise, her son Melvyn, whose prior professions included steelworker and electrician, joined Mrs O’Brien and their sister Elizabeth Lopez in maintaining the shop’s operations. Recalling their early years, Mrs O’Brien remarked: “I used to clean on a Saturday morning and I used to get about 50 pence. At first, there was hardly anything here to clean. There was just one shelf.” The business was initially managed jointly by their parents before their divorce, after which Mrs Stroughair continued its operation until her children assumed full-time management. Even while suffering from dementia, she would frequently visit to interact with customers. Mrs O’Brien commented: “Mum was the heart and soul of everything. She was All Types Electric and everybody who comes in always talks about her.” The armchair positioned behind the counter is the identical one their mother used to occupy when welcoming patrons during her later years. Throughout its history, the shop’s clientele featured local actor Paul Shane, renowned for his role in Hi-De-Hi, who once visited to purchase a length of cable. The siblings concurred that increased competition from major retailers and e-commerce platforms had complicated the sustenance of a small business, further noting that none of their offspring expressed interest in joining the enterprise. Mrs O’Brien expressed: “It’s very emotional for all of us. We will miss customers, some of them we have known since we were young.” For highlights from South Yorkshire, tune into BBC Sounds, or for the latest episode, catch Look North. You can also submit a story you believe warrants coverage here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.