While it was always good for the odd exclusive and occasional deal, it seems that Nokia wasn't getting the kind of business it would like through its online store. That's pretty much the only reason why the company would close down its UK online operation.
According to Omnio, store closures in France, Spain and Holland will now be followed by the closure of its UK site. Details were leaked out via affiliate network Tradedoubler, which has informed its members that no further commissions will be paid after the June 30 date due to closure, which it says is a 'strategic business decision'.
Another report suggests that subsidies from the networks are just too great for Nokia's online store to compete. Yes, you can sometimes get a better deal if you go SIM-free and shop around for a contract. But for most consumers, that 'free phone' offer is hard to resist, even if the contract more than pays the full price over the 18 or 24-month term.
Add to that a general decline in Nokia sales and you can see the closure was more or less inevitable
