WELL-KNOWN: Sarwan Kalirai who is retiring and closing his electronics repair business.
MODERN throwaway culture and the rise of cheap electronics has sounded the death-knell of a South-ampton institution.
Shirley electronic component shop Afflecks is to close tomorrow after more than 60 years in business.
Owner Sarwan Kalirai, 64 is to shut up shop for the last time after fierce competition from retail giants and rock bottom prices for CD and DVD players made repairs uneconomic and business dried up.
Founded by a Mr Affleck in 1942, the shop moved to Shirley High Street in the early '70s, before it was bought in 1973 by Indian born Mr Kalirai, who came to the UK from Kenya in 1962 and worked as a bus conductor and driver while studying electronics.
"I have been in business here for 34 years," said Mr Kilirai, who is known to customers as Ben. "It was a very small shop then and we acquired the shop next door and made it one big shop. At one time we also had a shop in Bedford Place. It was a good business.
"Then all the big shops started selling TVs below the trade prices we could get and it was difficult. Eventually it was not worth repairing things. You can buy a new video player for £45 but the average cost of a repair is £45. A DVD player costs £17 and it's not even worth looking at for an engineer."
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Ten years ago Mr Kalirai was forced to convert part of the shop into a more profitable off licence. That business is being sold but Afflecks is to disappear tomorrow.
"I'm starting to reach retirement age so obviously I want to wind down but I am sad that Afflecks is retiring with me rather than carrying on, but there's no future in it.
"I want to thank all my customers for their support. People say Shirley won't be the same without us."
Posted by: cONDOR mAN, Southampton on 8:47am Fri 27 Jun 08
I had my CD player repaired at a shop called S&L on Bevios Valley Road and they've recently closed too. It's a shame but sadly it's the way of the world now.
I had my CD player repaired at a shop called S&L on Bevios Valley Road and they've recently closed too. It's a shame but sadly it's the way of the world now.
What a shame. I much prefer to use local shops as opposed to the big stores. Sadly they are disappearing at an alarming rate and soon we won't be left with any choice at all.
Have always used Afflecks for those little things that the big places can't be bothered with.
Let's hope Mr Kalirai enjoys his retirement.
What a shame. I much prefer to use local shops as opposed to the big stores. Sadly they are disappearing at an alarming rate and soon we won't be left with any choice at all.
Have always used Afflecks for those little things that the big places can't be bothered with.
Let's hope Mr Kalirai enjoys his retirement.
[quote][bold]Steve Odd[/bold] wrote:
Anyone got an email address for Afflecks? I'm interested in purchasing any left over workshop equipment and stock.[/quote] ring the shop tomorrow or the off licence
Steve Odd wrote:
Anyone got an email address for Afflecks? I'm interested in purchasing any left over workshop equipment and stock.
Posted by: Mrs Jasdeep Kalirai-Thomas, london on 12:21am Thu 3 Jul 08
Dear Steve Odd,
In response to your posting, I am Ben from Afflecks' daughter, if you contact me on jazz.kalirai@btinter
net.com I will put you in touch with my father who may have surplus stock, which you may require.
Many Thanks
Jazz Kalirai-Thomas
Dear Steve Odd,
In response to your posting, I am Ben from Afflecks' daughter, if you contact me on jazz.kalirai@btinter
net.com I will put you in touch with my father who may have surplus stock, which you may require.
Many Thanks
Jazz Kalirai-Thomas
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