A BELOVED menswear store that’s been a staple of the high street for over 150 years is shutting its doors for good.
Warwicks, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, will close on 28 June as owner Neil Warwick steps down to retire — with no one in the family to take the reins, according to the BBC.
The family-run shop first opened in 1868, and has kitted out generations of locals in sharp suits, wedding wear and smart menswear for over a century.
Neil, the fifth generation to run the business, insisted the decision was purely personal — not financial.
Warwicks was originally opened by tailor Warwick, and eventually handed down to Neil 41 years ago.
He told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “I’ve given a lot of my life to the shop... Saturdays, wedding fairs on Sundays – and it is a bit surprising and very sad.
“If we were going bust or had no trade, it would be understandable. Trade isn’t as good as it used to be because the high street has gone down a little, but we’re still profitable.”;
Despite being on the market for more than a year, no buyer came forward — meaning Warwicks will now disappear from Wellingborough’s high street after more than 150 years.
Neil reassured customers that the hire department will still honour all existing bookings.
And while he’s looking forward to retirement, Neil admitted the closure would be a huge loss to the town, adding: “Wellingborough is Warwicks and Warwicks is Wellingborough.”;
The news comes as other retailers, both independent and industry giants, continue to struggle.
Just a few months in to 2025 and it's already proving to be another
Rising living costs – which mean shoppers have less cash to burn – and an increase in online shopping has battered in recent years.
In some cases, landlords are either unwilling or unable to invest in keeping shops open, further speeding up the closures.
Last month, Essential Vintage told followers on social that it would after they had been “priced out” because of bigger players in the market such as .
Whilst, Red Menswear in Chatham in Medway, , , after selling men's clothing since 1999.
Shoezone, located on Devonshire Road, has confirmed .
bosses made the decision to axe nearly 100 branches as they battle challenges linked to tax changes.
Approximately a quarter of the retailer's 364 stores are .
This equates to about 91 stores, with a significant impact on New Look's 8,000-strong workforce.
It's understood the latest drive to accelerate closures is driven by the upcoming increase in National contributions for employers.
The move, announced by in October, is expected to hit retailers hard – and the has predicted these changes will create a £2.3billion bill for the sector.
Meanwhile, the WHSmith brand name looks
