Beloved hardware store to close after 87 years on the high street as it reduces prices on stock
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A MUCH-LOVED hardware store has announced it is closing within days in a blow for the high street. The small business is pulling down its shutters after first opening 87 years ago. Mortens in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, is shutting for good at the end of the year after it was "unable to continue".
![[Mortens in Ilkley is closing within days]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/100001921192999-958956462.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The hardware store and ironmongery has launched a clearance sale across all its stock. The owners of the independent shop posted on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that we announce Mortens will be closing at the end of this year. "When we took over the business, we did so knowing it would be tough with the retail climate as it is today.
"However, we were full of hope and confidence that along with our amazing staff we could make it work. Unfortunately, this has proved not to be the case.". Locals and shoppers have been left devastated after finding out the owners are permanently closing the shop.
One, posting on Facebook, said: "An Ilkley institution. Very sad.". Another commented: "So sad and shocked to read this. You will be greatly missed.". A third dejected shopper added: "I'm honestly gutted...end of an era. I used you for 45 years.". A fourth simply put it: "Devastated to hear this.".
Mortens opened in 1937, starting off in a small unit in the town centre before expanding into the store it is today. The business initially sold just hardware, but today stocks everything from kitchenware to houseware, bathroom accessories and garden products.
