A FAMILY-run business is closing its doors after 115 years of trading in Leicestershire and Loughborough.
The Irish Clothing Company, first set up in 1910, is the latest casualty of the struggling High Street.
Tom Brown, the shop’s owner, said the decision was made with “great sadness and heavy hearts”.
“We are immensely proud of the business we have built of the 115 years of our trading,” he said.
“It has been an incredible journey and one we will never forget.”
He thanked loyal customers and added: “It has been a privilege, but despite our best efforts we feel there is no way forward.
“A combination of market forces have been the reason for this – the rise of online sales, rising costs.
“So many independent clothing shops have already gone and we are the last man standing.”
The company was first set up by Tom’s grandfather, Joseph Brown in Silver Street in Leicester.
It closed in 2018 and the shop was transformed into a Caffe Nero.
The firm moved to Church Gate in Loughborough , selling Army Surplus and workwear, alongside high-quality brands like Joules and Seasalt.
The shop’s Leicester shop will close at the same time as the Loughborough store in June this year.
This comes after a huge Jack Wills store in Derby is closing for good.
The popular branch is shutting down and moving into Frasers department store.
Beth McDonald, the shopping centre’s managing director, said: “We can confirm that Jack Wills, which is part of the Frasers Group, will be integrating into the Frasers department store at Derbion, resulting in the closure of its standalone space in the centre this spring.
“We’re proud to have recently welcomed big names such as Castore, B&M and White Stuff, and are excited to welcome Victoria’s Secret and more exciting brands over the coming months.”
Beth has promised shoppers that despite the family favourite shop moving, another big brand will take its place.
She added: “Our shoppers can be assured that we’re dedicated to working closely with new and existing retailers to ensure that we have an exciting mix of stores and experiences to enjoy.
“We’ll be in a position to announce new brands soon.”
This follows a Jack Wills closure in Hereford which left shoppers devastated.
Retailers have been feeling the pressure since Covid-19 swept the country.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
