Family furnishers to shut after 120 years

Brittains' staff would deliver furniture in a horse-drawn carriage

A town's family-run furniture business is closing its doors after almost 120 years.

Brittains was established in 1904 by Frank Brittain, with a first shop in St Neots Road, Eaton Ford, Cambridgeshire, selling second hand bicycles and furniture.

Twenty years later the shop moved to St Neots' High Street, where it has been ever since.

In recent years, the company has struggled due to competition from the internet and rising costs said Nigel Brittain, the chairman's son.

Brittains has been a fixture on the St Neots High Street for almost a century

Frank Brittain formed the company Brittains Furnishers Ltd with his wife and his brother Archie.

Frank and Archie were followed by their sons Ronald and James.

James' sons Nigel and Adrian now run the business, while their father retains the title of chairman.

Nigel Brittain said: "We have seen many changes over the years and it is with deep regret and sadness that, after 120 years of trading, our family business in St Neots is closing its doors.

The company announced on social media they had taken the "sad decision" to close

"The business has coped with all the changes but recently it has become very difficult to compete against the internet, rising costs and the current recession.

"The High Street and customer habits are changing at such a pace, loyalty, service, experience and knowledge are becoming a thing of past."

The shop will close later this year.