The clothes shop is now holding a massive closing down sale (Image: Google Maps)
A popular clothes shop, which opened back in 1856, will soon be closing its doors for good. Coneys of Boston, located on Wide Bargate in Boston, Lincolnshire, said it is closing due to “market conditions.” The company wrote on Facebook: “Just to keep everyone updated and to clear up any speculation – we will be closing. The exact date will depend on our remaining stock levels.
“We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful customers for your support over the many years we’ve been trading in Boston.” In another Facebook post shared on Monday, Coneys of Boston announced that its final deliveries have arrived, with discounts of up 70% across the store.
READ MORE: British restaurant chain and 4 other big companies crash into administration
READ MORE: Major high street retailer with 500 UK stores announces website closure
The shop first opened its doors in Boston back in 1856 (Image: Google Maps)
Fellow town trader Hoppers Jewellers reacted to the news and commented: “We are so sorry to hear this news. You’ve always been there for all of us growing up, going into town on a Saturday to buy something for Saturday night!
“It will feel very strange to see you gone. It’s a big blow for Boston. All the best to you and the whole team xx”
One shopper said: “I shop here all the time, such a shame that the only decent clothes shop in Boston is going, but the real sad thing is the staff, every one of them is brilliant. Always polite and very helpful.”
Someone else added: “This is so sad, I feel so much for all the lovely ladies who put their heart and soul into that shop.”
Dale Broughton, leader of Boston Borough council, told the BBC, he was “sorry to see a valued Boston business close, especially one in the heart of our town centre that has so much history within the borough”.
He added: “Sadly, we know that this reflects the difficult retail environment being felt across the country, with increasing shifts in shopping trends and the impact of cost of living on running costs and spending habits.”
Broughton also said that the council was working to support staff, businesses and revitalise the centre of Boston.
The company has other branches in Lincoln and Spalding, though it was first located in Strait Bargate in Boston. The store later moved to its current premises in 1956, where it has remained ever since.
Over the decades, the business has undergone several expansions and refurbishments. In the late 1960s, a womenswear department was introduced on the upper floor before later relocating downstairs, with menswear moving upstairs in its place.
A major development came in 1986, when the adjoining former banana warehouse on Tawney Street was acquired. Today, the ground floor of that space is home to a privately run restaurant, while the upper level houses the store’s formalwear, suit department and smart-casual collections.
In November 2009, Scott Crowson took over as managing director and introduced a more modern, youthful direction for the business. The store’s exterior was revamped to create a more contemporary, corporate look, while the womenswear department, now located on the ground floor, was fully refitted to reflect the premium brands on offer.
The menswear floor has also seen significant investment, including dedicated shop fits from major labels such as Replay, Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel and Luke.