SHOPPERS have been left devastated after an 80-year-old store announced it will close permanently.
Fairbairns of Berwick, in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, will pull down its shutters for the final time in the coming months.
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The popular furniture and flooring retailer, known for stocking blinds, sofas, chairs and more, announced the news on its Facebook page.
It said: “After almost eight decades we are closing our beloved Church Street shop in the coming months.
The statement continued: “To celebrate we will be launching our biggest ever sale, starting from 27 October.
“Please join us to celebrate the relationships and memories built up over many decades.
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“Fairbairns has always been a business very proud to serve – something that will continue right up to the final time we close the doors in the months ahead.”
Shoppers and local residents have shared their devastation following the announcement.
One said: “Best in town you were. Service was outstanding with beautiful quality furniture and goods.”
Another said: “So sorry to see you go,” while a third added: “A big loss to the town.”
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The shop was established in 1946 by George and Jean Fairbairn, who pooled together their post-war savings.
Their sons, Ken and Lance, expanded the store, eventually passing it on to current owners and Susan and Martin Fairbairn.
The store is known for selling everything from bedroom furniture to mirrors, pictures, sofas and chairs, priding itself on offering stellar customer service.
Some of its current members of staff have been with the firm for three decades.
The closure comes after a number of other retailers shut their doors for good in a blow to high streets across the UK.
A school wear store in Peterlee, County Durham, recently announced it is closing in November after 35 years of business.
Shoppers in the area shared their devastation at the news, with one exclaiming: “Peerlee at this rate is going to be a ghost town.”
Meanwhile, a beloved bakery and rival to chain Gail’s closed in Tunbridge Wells closed this month.
A number of major high street chain’s have been closing branches for good as well.
In July, Boots Pharmacy said it would be closing 300 branches as part of plans to consolidate its portfolio.
Meanwhile, a number of retailers have crashed into administration, including Cath Kidston, Paperchase, M&Co and Wilko.
But it’s not all bad news as some retailers have been expanding their store portfolios.
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Supermarket chain Iceland has been opening stores, with some under the Iceland Local brand.
Primark, Poundland and B&M have all announced plans to pull up the shutters of further branches too.
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