HIGH street shoppers have been left heartbroken after a beloved homeware store has announced it will close next week.
The Wakefield store has been open for over 60 years and has already launched a closing down sale as part of its final days ahead.
The Peter Jones store currently sits on Little Westgate with its website boasting how the shop has been a Royal Commemorative Specialist since 1963.
Some locals have expressed their dismay having spotted closing down signs in the high street store’s windows “for years”.
However, the acting Director and daughter of Peter Jones, Nicola Cousins, confirmed the date for when the store will finally shut up shop.
The Wakefield go-to place to purchase fine china, gifts and cookware will roll down its shutters on Christmas Eve.
Those hoping to nab last minute gifts in time for the festivities next week may want to be quick before stock disappears from shelves.
Nicola told the Wakefield Express: “Our shop property has finally sold and so, after over 60 years in Wakefield and 39 years in Little Westgate, our era comes to an end.
“It’s a sad day for us but independent retail is extremely challenging and it was the right time for us to ‘call it a day‘.
“We’d like to thank our loyal staff and many thousands of customers who have shopped with us over the years and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Despite some residents not being shocked by the announcement, others have revealed their despair of losing a long established gift retailer.
One person commented in a Google review: “Helpful staff and remaining stock – but closing down.
“The final sale prices were not amazing though.”
Another user on X, formerly known as Twitter, put: “Been closing down for the last 15 years I believe…..”
Someone else asked: “For the final, final, final time?”
Others have taken to online platforms to express their gratitude to any one of the store’s locations.
A woman said: “Incredible. Iconic. Peter Jones, you ARE the moment.”
Someone else shared: “Really sad to see Peter Jones go… a 50yr old business that’s tried its best to diversify to keep up with changing trends but not succeeded.
“Jobs lost as gifts and homewares retailer enters administration.”
Finally, another person simply put: “End of an era: Gift retailer, Peter Jones.”
