One of Britain's longest-running shoe retailers is preparing to close a flagship store, ending a remarkable 153-year presence on a city's high street. The impending shutdown has been described as a "very sad" moment for the family behind the business and the local community.
A Century and a Half of History Comes to an End
Robin Elt Shoes on Worcester's high street first opened its doors in 1872, but will trade for the final time on January 10, 2026. The decision marks the end of an era for one of the UK's oldest footwear retailers in that location. However, the company's other branches in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster, and Totnes will continue to operate as usual.
Jenny Elt, the managing director, explained the difficult choice, emphasising the personal toll on the family-run firm. "It’s very difficult for myself, being the family business, it’s very sad to have to come to this decision," she said. "The shop is no longer viable as a store that can continue into the future, unfortunately. We can’t pick money out of thin air."
Broader Challenges for City Centres
The closure highlights the persistent struggles facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers across the country. A spokesperson for Worcester City Council acknowledged the wider context, stating: "Like all city centres, Worcester is facing the challenge of online shopping and a move to town centres being more focused on leisure and entertainment activities."
The council pointed to collaborative efforts to support traders, including work with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester BID. They also highlighted a £4.5 million investment to improve the public realm, specifically mentioning major refurbishments in the Shambles area designed to make it more attractive and accessible.
"Worcester has a distinctive shopping offering combining well-known high street brands with unique independent traders, and we are proud to support that model," the council spokesperson added.
A Wider Trend of Retail Closures
The news from Worcester coincides with further high street setbacks reported elsewhere. The disability equality charity Scope closed three more of its shops over the weekend of December 6-7, 2025. The branches in Morden, Torquay, and Washington shut as part of a larger plan to close 77 stores this year.
This follows a consultation launched in January 2025, after the charity forecast a significant £1.5 million loss. The restructuring put around 200 retail staff at risk of redundancy and impacted approximately 2,000 volunteers.
Debbie Boylen, Scope's head of retail, said: “Our shops have helped us raise vital income to support our work with disabled people and their families. Having consulted with our colleagues and volunteers... we’re very sad to confirm our shops... will close."
The consecutive announcements from a historic independent retailer and a major charity chain underscore the ongoing transformation and financial pressures reshaping Britain's high streets, with community landmarks increasingly under threat.
