One of the UK’s oldest shoe retailers is set to close a long-standing high street store in Worcester after serving customers for 153 years. Robin Elt Shoes, established in 1872, will permanently shut its doors on January 10, 2026. Despite this closure, its other branches in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster, and Totnes will continue operating as usual.
Jenny Elt, the managing director, expressed deep sadness over the closure of the family business, attributing it to the store’s lack of financial viability for future sustainability. She mentioned the difficulty of making such a decision, stating, “We can’t pick money out of thin air.”
Worcester City Council highlighted the challenges faced by city centers like Worcester due to the rise of online shopping and a shift towards town centers focusing more on leisure and entertainment offerings. The council, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has been actively supporting city center traders. Worcester boasts a diverse shopping scene that blends popular high street brands with unique independent retailers.
The council spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the area, citing a substantial investment of £4.5 million to revamp public spaces like the Shambles, enhancing the area’s appeal and accessibility.
In related news, charity shop chain Scope has closed three additional high street branches in Morden, Torquay, and Washington. The closures are part of the charity’s plan to shut down 77 shops this year in response to projected financial challenges. Scope, which previously operated 138 shops, faced a forecasted loss of £1.5 million, leading to the consultation and subsequent closures.
Debbie Boylen, Scope’s head of retail, expressed regret over the closures, acknowledging the vital income generated by the shops to support disabled individuals and their families. The affected shops ceased operations on Saturday, December 6, following consultations with staff and volunteers.
Overall, these closures reflect broader trends in retail, emphasizing the evolving landscape of shopping preferences and the need for strategic adaptations to sustain businesses in changing markets.