After serving customers for 153 years, Robin Elt Shoes, one of the UK’s oldest shoe retailers, will be closing its high street store in Worcester on January 10, 2026. Despite the closure, the company’s other branches in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster, and Totnes will continue operating.
Jenny Elt, the managing director, expressed sadness over the closure of their family business, citing financial challenges in sustaining the Worcester location. She mentioned that the decision was difficult but necessary as the store was no longer financially sustainable for the future.
Worcester City Council’s spokesperson acknowledged the impact of online shopping on traditional retail, emphasizing efforts to revitalize the city center by supporting a mix of high street brands and independent retailers. The council has invested £4.5 million in enhancing public spaces like the Shambles to attract more visitors.
Meanwhile, Scope, a charity shop chain, has closed three additional high street branches in Morden, Torquay, and Washington as part of its plan to shut down 77 shops this year due to financial challenges. The closures, affecting both retail staff and volunteers, follow Scope’s projected £1.5 million loss.
Debbie Boylen, Scope’s head of retail, expressed regret over the closures, emphasizing the vital role the shops played in supporting disabled individuals and their families. The affected shops in Morden, Torquay, and Washington ceased operations on December 6.
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