Robin Elt Shoes, one of the UK's oldest shoe retailers, is set to close its Worcester store after 153 years of trading. The shop, which first opened in 1872, will shut its doors for the final time on January 10, 2026.
Managing director Jenny Elt described the closure as "very sad" for the family-run business, but said the location was no longer financially viable. "It's very difficult for myself, being the family business, it's very sad to have to come to this decision. 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," she said.
The company's other stores in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster and Totnes will continue to operate as normal.
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council acknowledged the challenges facing city centres, saying: "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 has invested £4.5 million to improve the public realm, including a major refurbishment in the Shambles area.
The closure comes amid wider retail struggles, with charity shop chain Scope recently closing three more high street branches as part of plans to shut 77 shops this year.
