Hancock & Wood, a family-run department store in Warrington, Cheshire, closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, August 15, after 112 years of trading. Founded in 1914 by Frederick Hancock and David Wood on Bridge Street, the independent store became one of the town's most cherished retailers.
A century of service
In a statement on its Facebook page, the business expressed gratitude to its customers and staff, saying: "For over a century, we've been more than a department store. We've been a place where friendships were made, generations returned and our incredible staff welcomed everyone through the doors with care, kindness and a smile."
The store thanked every member of staff, supplier, and customer who supported the business over the years, adding: "You have written the story of Hancock & Wood with us, and we will be forever grateful. While our doors may close, the memories made within these walls will live on in the hearts of our staff, our customers, and the town we have proudly called home for more than a century. Thank you, Warrington. It has been the greatest privilege."
Reasons for closure
In June, the store announced its decision to close, citing the growth of online shopping, rising business rates, and pressure from retail parks. Christopher Hancock, the director and grandson of founder Frederick Hancock, previously told the BBC that he had sleepless nights over having to break the news to staff.
The building, which was the longest-running department store in the town, survived the Warrington bombing in 1993, when the IRA detonated two devices in the town centre.
Political context
The closure comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to look at business rates for high street businesses in the Budget. Opposition parties accuse the Labour Government's business rates hike of hollowing out Britain's high streets, leaving premises empty for vape, betting, and barbershops.
Mr Burnham, who is touring the UK, is said to be in "listening mode," focusing on reviving high streets and tackling the cost of living. He said earlier this month: "For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services and community spaces people are crying out for. That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do."
Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said: "Labour’s business rates hikes have hollowed out our high streets, driving out the shops people want and leaving empty units for whoever is left standing to fill. Conservatives would cut business rates for high street firms and back the small businesses that give a town centre its character."
