A MUCH-LOVED jewellers is set to close its doors after 100 years in business.
The family-run shop will be pulling down the shutters for the final time on March 28 and shoppers are gutted.
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W.E Cro and Son opened back in 1924 in Crowborough high street in East Sussex and has been run by three generations.
Announcing the news on social media, the store said it was time for its current owners to take a well-earned rest.
The emotional post went on to say how much it will miss its customers.
It read: “Over the last 100 years, 3 generations of Cro have owned and run the shop, with Jim & Carolyn in charge in recent years and with Sue retiring eight years ago.
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“After 48 years this February, of Jim fixing watches and clocks, alongside his father, and serving many customers in the shop with his family, it is time for a rest and it is with a heavy heart we announce that as of March 28, 2024, Jim will be retiring and W.E. Cro & Son will be closing.
“We would like to say a huge thank you everyone who has supported us over the last 100 years and we hope we have the opportunity to say thank you in person.”
The shop is holding a closing down sale until its final day of trading.
One Facebook user said: “A well earned rest but a big hole in the high street that’s for sure. You will be sadly missed.”
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Another wrote: “You will definitely be missed on the high street.
“Sad to hear you’ll be closing but thank you for all your wonderful service & advice over the years. Enjoy your well earned retirement.”
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A third cried: ” Such sad news to hear you’ll be closing down. Crowborough will not be the same without you.”
And a fourth sobbed: “You will be sorely missed but you deserve some quality time to yourselves. Happy Retirement.”
The high street shop repairs watches, clocks and jewellery and provides other services like engraving.
It’s current owners Jim and Sue joined their parents in the family business when they left school.
Jim, who started in 1976, acquired the skills of his father and grandfather whilst Sue specialised in precious stones and jewellery side of the business.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The high street is almost unrecognisable compared to what it once was with some locals describing their town as more like a “ghost town.”
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the increasing cost of living, with high rents and bills making it impossible to survive.
Shoppers no longer have the cash to splash like they used to with many just managing to get by after paying for essentials.
Last year popular retailers such as Wilko fell into administration and vanished from the high street for good.
Fans were left devastated over the demise of the discounter, however, it does look like the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range snapped up the website and brand name last year and has since started to open up some new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and opening dates of a further two locations have recently been revealed.
Stores are set to open in St Albans and Rotherham on Good Friday, March 29 at 9am.
Meanwhile, it is not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect but administrators for the high street stalwart said it is looking to “secure the brand’s future” with the restructure.
Troubled fashion brand Superdry is also looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
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Also, B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.
See the full list of shops opening on the high street in our round-up.
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