GREAT Dunmow s only video shop has closed as a result of falling revenue blamed on an internet boom and growing piracy. Empire Films has slipped quietly away from Dunmow s High Street without so much as a whimper as the shelves were emptied and stock remo

GREAT Dunmow's only video shop has closed as a result of falling revenue blamed on an internet boom and growing piracy.

Empire Films has slipped quietly away from Dunmow's High Street without so much as a whimper as the shelves were emptied and stock removed over the weekend.

According to shop owner Mrs Staff, the shop is closing down as a result of a rapid reduction in sales.

She said: "We just are not making any money, it is very sad for me to be leaving the High Street but I definitely won't be setting up a new business in the town, it seems to be on a downward slide."

The video shop is the second High Street business to close in recent times as it joins Traders on the vacant building list.

The video shop industry in the UK has been in decline for the last two years as internet downloads and cable or satellite companies offer more and more 'on demand' services for cheaper prices.

Big companies such as Blockbuster video have also struggled closing stores across the UK because of the internet onslaught.

What that in mind it is little wonder a privately owned business such as Empire Films has closed.

Dunmow's Chamber of Commerce have conveyed their disappointment that another business has fallen by the wayside, chairman Mike Perry said: "It was our only video shop and we are sad to lose it.

"It is a real shame because I know they worked so hard to stay open. Even the bigger boys have struggled and you can only do so much.

"The problem with a video shop is they work long hours because they have to be open in the evenings so of course the shop needs staffing, raising overheads."

DVDs have come down so far in price that people prefer to buy them outright rather than pay a rental fee Mr Perry commented.

Empire Film's business neighbour Picture This are now looking into plans to expand into the premises, but until then the video shop will remain empty.

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