One of Britain's oldest department stores that opened in 1781 will close amid ... trends now

One of Britain's oldest family-run department stores is closing down after 242 years in business after failing to recover from Covid and pressures of the cost-of-living. 

Eve and Ranshaw has been in the same location since opening its doors in Louth, Lincs., in 1781, and has been run by the same family for the last three generations.

But now the popular independent store is being forced to close its doors for good after it struggled to recover following the pandemic, combined with rising business costs.

Owner Marcus Sandwith said the current cost of living crisis was the final nail in the coffin, adding: 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to close.'

The shop, on Market Place, will close for good on Saturday March 4 with the online shop closing at the end of this month. 

Mr Sandwith said: 'We hoped for a long time that we could recover from the difficult Covid years and continue to modernise and trade, however, as with a lot of department stores in particular, the market is very tough.

'I am particularly sad about having to let our loyal team go, some of whom have served the company for decades, and have been so committed through these difficult times. I can't thank them enough.

'We are currently in advanced discussions with a community focused hospitality operator, and we are looking forward to being able to share further details when this has progressed'.

The much-loved shop started out by becoming one of only three centres in England making flat weave and reversible carpets before branching out into tailoring and home furniture.

It expanded over the years under several owner partnerships, including Thomas Ranshaw who started as a 13-year old apprentice in the shop.

Christopher Sandwith and his son, David, bought the store in 1977 and David's son, Marcus, took the helm earlier this year.