A cherished family-run department store that has served shoppers for 112 years is closing its doors for good. Hancock & Wood, a fixture in Warrington since 1914, announced it will shut down after struggling with soaring operating costs.
End of an Era
Christopher Hancock, the fourth-generation owner, said the business had reached "the end of the road." He cited rising employment costs, utility bills, and business rates as insurmountable challenges. "Our costs have risen way above inflation and unfortunately, our turnover increase has been hard to come by," he explained.
The store, located on Bridge Street, survived the 1993 Warrington bombing, which killed two boys and injured dozens, as well as the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. It was also the backdrop for a famous photograph of Queen Elizabeth II during her 1968 visit to the town.
A Family Legacy
Frederick Samuel Hancock, Christopher's grandfather, opened the store just months before enlisting in World War One. He returned safely in 1918. The building has remained in the family ever since, with great-granddaughter Susie Hancock recalling fond memories of working there as a child.
Christopher admitted having "sleepless nights" over breaking the news to staff. He noted that Warrington has changed over the years, with the rise of internet shopping and out-of-town retail making life harder for traditional stores.
Customer Reactions
Loyal customers expressed shock and sadness. Patricia Hulme, a lifelong shopper, said, "It's one of my favourite shops. I came here as a baby, my mum always brought me here." Assistant manager Diane Oxley said the closure was not surprising given the decline of Bridge Street.
The store will hold a closing-down sale before putting the iconic building on the market for the first time in over a century. A spokesperson said, "We intend to go out with a bang."
In a final message, the company thanked customers and staff for their support over the decades, calling it "a sad day to say goodbye to Warrington."
