A family furniture business that has been in St Neots for 120 years is closing its doors due to the "impact of the internet, rising costs and the current recession".
Brittains (Furnishers) Ltd's shop, which has been a fixture of the high street for almost 100 years, is to shut later this year.
Nigel Brittain said: "We have seen many changes over the years and it is with deep regret and sadness that, after 120 years of trading, our family business in St Neots is closing its doors.
"The business has coped with all the changes but recently it has become very difficult to compete against the internet, rising costs and the current recession.
"We have been located at our High Street shop for almost 100 years and seen a lot of changes over the years to current day, only in the last few years we have seen some other established businesses also close in the town. The High Street and customer habits are changing at such a pace, loyalty, service, experience, and knowledge are becoming a thing of past!
Following the Pandemic, the furniture trade had an immediate boost but subsequent events including Brexit, the war in Ukraine, electricity charges, inflation, and the recession as well as the continued competition from the internet have made it difficult to continue.
"The directors would like to thank all our valued customers who have chosen to purchase from us over the years and we would also like to assure our existing customers that all orders will be completed."
Brittains' closing down sale begins this Saturday (July 1). All stock will be heavily reduced and purchases will be delivered in days.
"We deeply apologise for not being able to continue our business," added Mr Brittain.
Brittains started out more than 120 years ago when Frank Brittain launched his first shop in Eaton Ford. The shop sold bicycles and furniture. Four years later, his brother Archie, aged 12, joined the family business, helping with the paraffin delivery round using a hand truck. He also carried out bike repairs.
Brittain's took up the current High Street location in 1924 and began to gradually extend the business.
Despite the uncertaity of wartime, Frank decided to expand and in 1940, the firm became Brittain's Furnishers Ltd.
Frank and Archie were followed into the business by Ronald and James. James's sons Nigel and Adrian also joined the business.
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