Eve & Ranshaw: Louth department store to shut after 240 years

Eve & Ranshaw has been trading in Louth since 1781

The owner of one of the UK's oldest family-run department stores has announced it is to close.

Marcus Sandwith said Eve & Ranshaw, in Louth, would close on 4 March, while its online store would close on 30 January.

He said "challenging times", including the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, meant "the store is no longer viable".

Eve & Ranshaw has been trading in the Lincolnshire town since 1781.

Eve & Ranshaw is 'no longer viable', according to a notice on the store's window

Mr Sandwith told the BBC: "It's a really sad day. Before my father died in 2019, I made a promise to him that I would give it my best go, to take things forward.

"But even then he said you have to see how things go because he knew things were changing with online shopping. We have given it a really good go."

Emerging from the Covid pandemic, when many businesses were forced to shut, Mr Sandwith said there had been "potential for renewed optimism", but rising energy prices and increased inflation had scuppered that.

Coupled with the closure of other, larger department stores, including House of Fraser and Debenhams, Mr Sandwith said the family realised they could not go on.

He said "every nice comment" made about the store "is down to the quality of the staff", adding several staff members had chalked up decades of service.

One employee - now in her 40th year with the business - had joined when his grandfather was at the helm, he said.

What shoppers in Louth have to say

Louth residents, from left, Annette Curtis, Kevin Norman and Jo Bayes

The BBC sought the views of shoppers in Louth.

Annette Curtis said: "I just can't believe that it's going. They have unique things; things no-one else sells. Good-quality products and good customer service."

Kevin Norman, also a town councillor, added: "It's a shame a store of this prestige is to close down but market forces has taken its toll. How long will it be empty? They will be missed."

Jo Bayes said Eve & Ranshaw was "part of Louth", adding: "It's an iconic store and it's really sad."

The family hope to retain ownership of the Grade II listed building, with Mr Sandwith revealing he had been in lease talks with "a food and beverage operator". No agreement has yet been reached, he added.

The owners say they are in talks with a food and beverage operator to take over the building

Mr Sandwith said: "It has been there for a long time. We want to be the guardians of that building still, and make sure that whoever does come in adds value to Louth."

He added his family wished to thank their "extremely loyal" customers who had supported them over the years.