Hancock & Wood, a beloved family-run department store in Warrington, Cheshire, is set to close its doors next month after 112 years of serving the community. The store, which opened in 1914 and has been run by the same family for four generations, cited the rise of online shopping, increased business rates, and pressure from retail parks as reasons for the closure.
A Century of Service
The store was founded by Frederick Samuel Hancock, the grandfather of current director Christopher Hancock, just months before he enlisted to fight in World War One. It has remained on the same site on Bridge Street ever since, becoming a staple of the Warrington high street. Over the years, it survived significant challenges, including the 1993 Warrington bombing, which killed two boys and injured 56 others. Mr. Hancock recalled that his brother was knocked over in the second blast but was not injured.
Challenges of Modern Retailing
In a statement, the owners explained that the changing retail landscape made it impossible to continue. Mr. Hancock said, "Our costs have risen way above inflation, and unfortunately, our turnover increase has been hard to come by. Warrington is not what it used to be; it has certainly changed and not for the better. The growth of internet shopping and the strength of out-of-town retailing have made life somewhat harder." He added that he had sleepless nights over breaking the news to staff but felt the business had reached "the end of the road."
A Fond Farewell
The store, which offers over 11 departments across two floors, has been a cherished part of the community for generations. One customer told the BBC, "It's one of my favourite shops. I came here as a baby, my mum always brought me here, and I love this shop." Mr. Hancock expressed gratitude to customers, saying it had been "a joy to serve" them over the years. The store will close for the final time next month.
