there lies the problem with most businesses. they have small shops and a few staff . rent rates electricity and wages are affordable . then they move to larger property and costs go through the roof . the price of goods stop the same . hence no profit and have to closeIf I remember correctly Maplin were originally just a mail order exercise, decades ago. I always thought them moving into retail park shops to sell small electrical bits which are inherently cheap was never a sustainable business.
Dont think they will be doing the useful stuff. Just like another currys now...