A BELOVED retail store is to close after 100 years on the high street – leaving loyal shoppers devastated.
Sowerby’s Shoes first opened in a garden shed in 1925 before moving to Stourbridge town centre.
The shop’s proud owner, Clive Sowerby, has confirmed that the beloved shop will sadly close its doors for the final time on May 31.
Sowerby’s was established by Will Sowerby in 1925 before Joe and Arthur Sowerby moved the booming business in New Street.
The shop moved to Lower High Street in 1977 and has stayed there ever since.
Despite the sad store closure, Clive, 81, has described his optimism that the business will continue to thrive – but online.
He said: “It’s sad, you’ve got to feel sad, but I’m also confident it’s the right decision.
“I’m looking forward to the future and doing something different.”
Locals were quick to chime in and share their heartbreak over the news.
One customer said: “Thank you for the service you have provided over so many years.”
A second echoed: “You have been a credit to our town and provided a first class service to customers, thank you.”
A third chimed in: “Such a shame another independent shop is going from the town.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Easter Closures ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6370977049112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Meanwhile, a fourth said: “One great shop sad to see you go.”
Similarly, last month, Essential Vintage told followers on social that it would be closing down after they had been “priced out” because of bigger players in the market such as Vinted.
Whilst, Red Menswear in Chatham in Medway, Kent, shut for the final time on Saturday, March 29, after selling men’s clothing since 1999.
Shoezone, located on Devonshire Road, has confirmed it’s final day of trading will be May 13.
New Look bosses made the decision to axe nearly 100 branches as they battle challenges linked to Autumn Budget tax changes.
Approximately a quarter of the retailer’s 364 stores are at risk when their leases expire.
This equates to about 91 stores, with a significant impact on New Look’s 8,000-strong workforce.
It’s understood the latest drive to accelerate closures is driven by the upcoming increase in National Insurance contributions for employers.
The move, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October, is expected to hit retailers hard – and the British Retail Consortium has predicted these changes will create a £2.3billion bill for the sector.
Meanwhile, the WHSmith brand name looks set to vanish from British high streets after 230 years.