Popular clothing shop to permanently shut after 113 years with ‘heavy hearts’ as it launches huge 50% off closing sale

A POPULAR clothing shop is set to permanently shut after 113 years with "heaving hearts" as it launches a huge 50 per cent off closing sale. The family-owned clothing store in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire was established in 1912 during the reign of King George V. After over a century in business, Clement Taylor will close its doors due to a lack of "footfall" and "rising costs". The store provided school uniform and gifts.

Locals said it was one of their "favourite places to buy something special". A spokesperson for Clement Taylor revealed it will close once all the stock has gone - which could be in just a few weeks. The spokesperson said in a Facebook post: "It is with a heavy heart that after 113 years of trading, we will be closing up shop. "We will still be trading for the next few months to clear stock. So come in and grab a bargain.

"We will have huge reductions on most items. We would like to thank our loyal customers over all these years for their support and custom.". In a more recent Facebook post, uploaded on February 9, the retailer uploaded a video of its remaining stock. The caption read: "Last few weeks before we close. We still have loads of bargains. 50% or more of almost all stock. "We also selling old shop displays and antiques. Gifts and memorabilia.".

Some of the products on sale include men's trousers, school uniform, coats, hats, suits, shirts and ties, ranging from £5 to 15. It added: "Plus soft toys now 40% off as well as model kits etc. all enquiries must be in person in store. The comment section of the Facebook post also revealed the exact closure date. One shopper asked: "What date do you close, please?". To which a representative replied: "We won’t be trading after the 5th of April but could be sooner depending on other circumstances.".

Other shoppers shared their sorrows. One said: "Such sad news you are closing.". Just six months ago, the store was still earning gleaming reviews. One person said: "Quality at its best every time. Lovely staff always friendly and helpful. Such a lovely family run shop.". And then a second person said: "Visited today and kitted out my son for High school. The staff were so helpful and friendly. "We were sorted within 15 minutes. Excellent service , we will definitely be back and spreading the word about this little gem of a shop thank you.".

Followed by a third: "Fantastic shop and staff, always has been. Will do anything for you and have things in no other shop does. "It’s nice to have a place that doesn’t judge people.". Clement Taylor origins back to the late 1800s as the founders father owned several shops in the area. Despite being passed through a number of owners, the store has always stayed within the Taylor family. EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.

The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.