A BRITISH department store that has been trading for over a century has officially closed down.
The retailer was forced to shut up shop for good in light of financial struggles.
Hancock & Wood served the people of Warrington for over 100 years Credit: Hancock & Wood
The family-run business has been forced to shut down for good Credit: Hancock & Wood
Based in Cheshire, Hancock & Wood has long served the community as one of the oldest independent retailers in the area.
The Warrington store, which has been praised for its “good old fashioned service” and “pleasant staff”, stocked womenswear, accessories, beauty items and shoes.
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The shop was also popular for its bra fitting services as well as its in-store cafe.
After difficulty brought by rising business and employment costs, Hancock & Wood confirmed it was set to stop trading earlier this year.
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And after 112 years in business, the department store officially closed on Saturday, August 15.
Confirming news of the closure, a Hancock & Wood spokesperson told the Warrington Guardian: “As you will imagine this is something that has not been taken lightly.“
The representative explained that the owners were left with no choice but to make the decision to close the store.
They added: “However, the ever increasing burden of employment costs, public utilities, business rates – not to mention the sheer amount of legislation that has to be navigated – has left us with little room for manoeuvre and we now feel it is the time to bow out.”
Hancock & Wood was founded in 1914 by Frederick Hancock, who opened the shop on Bridge Street, where it has operated since.
