Independents shouldn't fear THE closure, says EUK.

EUK has promised independent retailers that the closure of THE will not affect the service they receive.

The company announced last week that it is to axe the THE operation, only months after buying the rival distributor for #20m.

The move means that THE's distribution centre on the Lymedale industrial estate in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, will close, while its site on the nearby Rosevale estate will become an internet fulfilment site for EUK parent company Woolworths.

THE's London buying office will be merged into EUK and the distribution of accessories and associated labels, including Vital's operations, will transfer to EUK.

For independent retailers, many of whom relied on THE for overnight "top-up" supplies of CDs, DVDs and books, the news was worrying.

"This is a concern. For top-ups for the weekends and special orders you could do that all through THE," says one retailer. "They have a great telesales team and they are a great back-up for all indies when they need stuff quickly, and for the indies that don't have major accounts."

"I am not sure what they are going to do," he adds. "We have to trust that ...