One of the United Kingdom’s long-standing shoe retailers is bidding farewell to one of its traditional street stores after 153 years of service. Robin Elt Shoes in Worcester, established in 1872, will permanently close its doors on January 10, 2026. However, its other branches in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster, and Totnes will continue to operate as usual.
Jenny Elt, the managing director, expressed deep sorrow over the closure of the family-owned business, citing financial challenges as the reason for the decision. She mentioned that sustaining the Worcester store was no longer feasible for future operations due to financial constraints.
Worcester City Council’s representative acknowledged the evolving landscape of shopping behavior, with a shift towards online shopping and a preference for town centers offering leisure and entertainment options. The council, in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council and other partners, has been actively supporting city center traders. Worcester boasts a unique retail mix of popular high street brands and independent stores, with ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience in the city center.
Meanwhile, Scope, a charity organization, has closed three additional high street branches in Morden, Torquay, and Washington as part of its plan to shut down 77 shops this year. Scope initiated the closures following a projected £1.5 million loss earlier in the year, which led to the consultation process. The closures may impact around 200 retail staff members and approximately 2,000 volunteers associated with the charity.
Debbie Boylen, Scope’s head of retail, expressed regret over the closure of the three shops, emphasizing the significant role of the shops in supporting disabled individuals and their families. The affected locations in Morden, Torquay, and Washington ceased operations on Saturday, December 6.