Independent furniture retailer S&P Furnishers has announced plans to close.

The retailer, situated on Station Road in New Milton, is currently holding a closing down sale and will close for the final time once all stock is cleared.

Steve Goff, owner of S&P Furnishers, plans to retire and warned that the growing influence of online could impact the future of other independent retailers.

He told local publication, Echo, that the internet, recession and lease has “got to him”, while stating that he often finds customers coming in store asking questions then reverting to buying online elsewhere. “The internet is killing the high street really. Shops like mine are going to die I’m afraid. Business got slower and slower and I thought if I don’t do it now, it would be much harder.”

S&P Furnishers has been located in New Milton for over seven years.