 |
| All things must pass - the Eve & Ranshaw department store |
A DEPARTMENT store founded by a Grimsby-area man at a time when George III was King is poised to cease trading
Eve & Ranshaw started life when Adam Eve, a 26-year-old a farmer’s son from Scartho, near Grimsby, opened his first shop in October, 1781, at 1 Market Place, Louth, where the store is still located.
The small lattice-windowed premises began as a drapers and grocers.
Although Eve's original shop was small, he saw a bright future and, as he prospered, the shop became a rendezvous for the gentlemen of Louth and the district.
Ten years later, he purchased the James Street wool spinning factory and began to make the exquisite flat weave carpets, for which Louth became renowned.
Following Eve's death in 1831, the carpet factory was run by his three adopted sons, John, Henry and Charles Paddison.
The spinning factory closed in 1883, but the store continued to flourish and expand.
It was run by John Campbell, Charles Bowmar and, in the 1870s, by members of both the Eve and Ranshaw families.
More recent owners of the shop were Charles and Eric Vamplew and Christopher Sandwith who continued the tradition of family ownership and independence.
Announcing the sad news, a statement from the store reads as follows:
"We regret to inform you that Eve & Ranshaw Ltd is closing.
"Our last day of business is Saturday March 4, 2023. After this date Eve & Ranshaw will ceaase trading.
"Our online store will close on Monday January 30, 2023.
"It is with heavy heart that we close after 240 years' service in Louth.
"We are immensely proud of our shop and heritage.
"In recent years, we have faced some challenging times with changes in customer shopping habits, lockdown closures, rising business costs and the current cost of living crisis.
"Regrettably it has now reached a point where the department store is no longer viable.
"We would like to thank all our custiomers for your business over the years.
"Eve & Ranshaw could no t have been as successful as it was without your support and loyalty.
"Thank you for being with our shop in all our ups and downs.
"Our heartfelt thanks go also to our dedicated shop team, some of whom have served the business for decades.
"We thank them for their commitment, loyalty and excellent customer service over the years.
"Please show them support and consideration through this difficult time.
"We hope that you and your family and friends will visit us in the last weeks before we close.
"Our sale continues with large discounts.
"Please spend your loyalty points and gift cards as soon as possible."
The sad statement ends: "We look forward to seeing you in the shop and bid our final goodbye."
No comments:
Post a Comment