AN electrical store in Kidderminster will be closing, with the loss of two jobs, due to soaring rental costs.

The Sony Centre, in Weavers Wharf, will be shutting its doors next month as the store, which sells products such as TVs, cameras and audio equipment from the global manufacturer, is struggling to cope with the high rent.

Poor sales are also being blamed for the demise of the shop, which employs three people.

One worker will be transferred to another store while the remaining two are facing redundancy.

Bosses of electrical superstore Victor Electronics, which trades as Sony Centres, said they did not yet know what date the store would close but were considering the second or third week of February. The Sony Centre in Stafford has also closed down.

The general manager of Victor Electronics, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s all down to the rents. It’s just costing way too much.

“It’s sad for us because this is the second store we have opened and sales have been strong.

“When you look at the sums it’s cheaper for us to keep the shop closed and carry on paying the rent and rates than keeping it open because of staff and electrical costs. It just doesn’t make sense.”

The Sony store is the second Kidderminster high street casualty this year, after Jessops shut earlier this month, leaving four people jobless. Some 15 jobs were also lost when Comet, in Crossley Retail Park, closed in December after the retailer fell into administration.