It’s the end of an era for Spalding as menswear shop Mann and Son closes its door after 104 years of trading.
The shop has been trading from the same premises in Hall Place since 1911 and a very difficult and emotional decision has been made to close it.
Proprietor Nigel Mann will be taking early retirement.
Setting up the business on February 28, 1911, Nigel’s grandfather John William Mann, known as Jack, had no idea the business would survive two world wars, numerous recessions and a third generation of the Mann family!
Having spent just over 40 of those years in the family business, Nigel said: “Tinged with sadness, it was a seriously difficult decision to make as Spalding is still a very strong retail environment.
“We have been planning this for the past 18 months and are currently running our ever popular winter sale to clear remaining stocks.
“I will hang up my tape measure one last time to not only enable my wife Joy and I to have a proper holiday, but to spend some quality time in the garage!
“It will also be extremely sad to not only say cheerio, but also a huge thank you to all our customers and friends who have remained loyal for many years.
“I will take very happy memories with me and close on a positive note for the future.”
The shop is on the market, and Mann’s will continue trading until a sale goes through.