A MUCH-LOVED jewellers is set to close its doors next month after 188 years in business.
The family-owned store will be pulling down the shutters for the final time on December 23, as shoppers cry “we will have no shops left soon”.
G H Corlett Jewellers opened back in 1835 on the Isle of Man and has been run by the same family ever since.
Announcing the news on social media, the store said it had been forced to close due to rise in online shopping and the impact of the pandemic.
They shared dozens of photos from over the past decades.
Posting on Facebook the Corlett family said: “It is with a heavy heart that G H Corlett the jewellers announces that is will be closing its Castle Street shop later this year after 188 years in business.”
The emotional post went on to say how much it will miss its customers.
Shoppers flooded the comments, saddened by the closure.
One said: “It is a sad day when a family business of such a great pedigree closes.
“I have been a happy customer for many years and will visit you before you close.
“Wishing you a fulfilling retirement, enjoy!”
Another wrote: “So sorry to hear this, I personally think that a personal service like yours is priceless and cannot be replaced by on line shopping, like a lot of businesses, a shop and being able to shop for goods personally is far better.”
A third commented: “What a legacy!”
And a fourth posted: “I am sad to hear this. Always lovely helpful service in there.”
While a fifth said: “We will have no shops left soon. Very sad to read this news.
“Good luck to the family your wonderful business will be missed.”
The high street shop has sold jewellery, watches, clocks and fine goods for seven generations.
It is also known for its trophy and engraving services.
The jewellers was first founded by current owner Gary Corlett’s great, great, great, great, great grandfather.
It started in Castletown, and moved to Douglas when the capital did at the turn of the century, Gary said.
The business will close for the last time on December 23 and all shopper queries and orders will be attended to with the “utmost care” until then.
Customers with any repairs or items to collect are being urged to collect them sooner rather than later.
Gary, who engraves and makes trophies himself, said he will carry on engraving trophies on a smaller scale, from a different premises after a break in Spring 2024.
It comes after a difficult time in the leisure and retail industry.
Big brand chains have been closing locations across the country.
Most recently, Britain’s oldest casino closed for the last time after a 195 years in business.
Pryzm is also said to be shutting one of its 10 sites in the New Year, leaving clubbers devastated.
A British town has been dealt a “huge blow” as a Cineworld branch has announced it’s closing.
We’ve rounded up a full list of 22 shops and chains closing doors before the end of the year after “apocalyptic” era for high street.
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