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Give us your memories of Chadds. Does its closure mean the end of the traditional department store? Send any pictures to [email protected]

june wadhams
just found out about the closure of this wonderful store closing, now live in Ireland. What a sad loss

Mr A
What a sad ocasion to see such a wonderful old fashioned store close.there are very few independant stores left around the country and its such a shame to Its see another disapear from our high street my thoughts are with the staff of Chadds and hope they are able to find employment elseware when the store closes. Bye Bye Chadds but never forgotton

miss k
i to brought my childrens first uniforms from chadds and similar to others often used the toy section (well santa did)unfortunatley this was before the tecnology took over what the children wanted!it will b a sad day when chadds actually close for ever but it is however a sign of the times sad but true

Terry Morton-Rush
I would like to remind Rebecca that without competition all prices would rise.Good luck to the Chadd family you helped to make Hereford unique.

INGRID WRIGHT
SO SAD REALLY END OF AN ERA

Jane
This is such a shame, where else can all memebers of the family,across the generations get clothes from under the same roof? I partically feel sad for the older generation who could always find an outfit there and have plenty of choice at the same time.

Teri P
I think its very sad, that in a small town like Hereford the locals have not supported the store and hence forcing it to close. I have happy memories of shopping here as a child and I think its to the detriment of Hereford that its now to close.

Angela Williams
Most of my best ever Christmas presents came from the toy department in Chadds - via Father Christmas of course. When it closes a little bit of the magic of Christmasses past will be lost.

Jan Jones
I started at Chadds in Sept 1978. I was asked by a neighbour of mine and the time, if I would go in their restaurant to cover her position washing up in the kitchen.My husband had just been made redundant, so I thought, well why not, And nearly 30 years on, I am still at Chadds today.But since 1990 I have been on the Admin side of things.I have seen a lot of changes over the years, and it will be a very sad day for me, when they close those doors for the last time.

Anne Titley
Trouser suits - to quote Dorcas Lane in Lark Rise to Candleford - 'are my one weakness'. Currently I have eight, six of which came from Chadds, where shall I get them from in the future? Hereford will never be the same again.

Anne Titley
All my 'good' clothes have come from Chadds since I moved to Herefordshire 35 years ago. I am 65 and a size 18, no other shops in Hereford cater for people like me. They do not have the style, quality, sizes and choice which Chadds does. As my daughter is an awkward size all her good clothes come from Chadds as well. The staff are always friendly and helpful and I feel 'at home' the minute I walk into Chadds. Herefordians will be bereft without it.

Celia Beach
I spent the best years of my working life at Chadds and made some special friends and some special memories. I was so upset to hear of its closure. Its the end of an era.

Jonathan Thomas
I worked at Chadds for 12 years, eventually managing the Floorcoverings Department. In that time, there were many changes within the store, but my overriding memory was working with so many great personalities, from part time staff right through to the directors themselves. I am left with many happy memories of that time, and it is a great shame that this establishment will be coming to an end. It is a loss for Hereford, and I hope that everybody affected by this closure will find new jobs quickly.

Jane
It is very sad that this wonderful department store is to close, I am sure the problems of parking in Hereford haven't helped. Hereford will now be like any other shopping town.

Rebecca Gourlay
Glad its going i never liked it too expensive thankyou for closing

Ann from Leominster
I spent 12 of the best years of my life working all over the store. I was there when William Chadd died, a very sad day. Had loads of great friends and left me with lots of happy memories. Still in touch with some of the girls.

Kath G
I worked for Chadds for about 4 years and enjoyed my time there. You were made to feel a part of the Chadds extended family. Mr Chadd would come around the different departments to have a quick chat as to how things were giong in the department you worked in. In the last few months that I worked for Chadds there were major changes that affected both the store and staff but overall I have to say I enjoyed being part of a team that encouraged you and gave you support when it was needed. I do feel sad that the store is due to close in June, my thoughts are with those members of staff who have given long term commitment to the store. I hope that they all find new jobs in the future. Finally, it seems that the retail trend these days is more difficult and especially for family run companies. Chain stores seem to have the monopoly, offering cheaper goods. Out of town shopping complexes only contribute to the demise of local town centres.

Colin
It is cool to shop in a department store when the name in front is that of the owner, plus he is a local person from Hereford and they are to be seen around and about the shop. A very sad day for Hereford, and all of us. Good luck to all who work in Chadds, and thank you for your service over the years.

Jean from Evesham
I have a wonderful memory of shopping in Chadds - when my eldest son was a toddler (and at the potty training stage of life) I went shopping in Chadds with him in the push chair. I turned around for just a minute, and when I looked back he was gone! Searching around for him, I found him at a bathroom suite display...Going to the loo! I was mortified but the staff were really nice about it!(Comment via phone to Tony Fisher Tuesday 4th March)

Dave from Malvern
Its really sad news about Chadds. I miss Russell and Dorrells - it was the epitomy of a department store! Service in stores isn't what it used to be and everyone seems to be wearing the same clothes as nothing is tailored any more(Comment via phone to Tony Fisher Tuesday 4th March)

Graham in Worcester
Its such a shame that Chadds is closing, now Hereford will get more of the identical chain stores that you find everywhere(Comments via phone to Tony Fisher Tuesday 4th March)

Mark from Stourport
Technology is to blame - internet shopping has taken over! A lot of big companies now let customers shop on the internet, maybe Chadds should have jumped on the bandwagon (comments via phone to Tony Fisher Tuesday 4th March)