CUSTOMERS of a cherished shop have been left heartbroken after learning their shop will close its doors for the last time.
The beloved family-run shoe repairs shop in Worthing, West Sussex, shut down after decades in business.
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Peter May & Grandson Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting served dozens of customers in Costwold Road.
But locals walked into the store for one last time on November 10, 2023.
Owners Michael and Ang Hard took to Facebook to share the devastating news.
They said: “The time has come to let you all know… we are closing our shop.
“It’s been an absolute blast working here and serving our many customers over the years.”
Michael has been running the business since 2009 – after taking over from his family.
The sad owners thanked the local shoppers for years of supporting the independent shop.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our business over the years.
“We’ve had loads of messages online and they’ve all been really kind.
“It’s going to be very strange not seeing our regulars and coming to work here each day,” they added.
The couple said it was the “right time” to move into new pastures and take on a different career path.
Ang said: “We’ve got the opportunity to do something else. We thought we’d change it up and try a different thing in life.
“It’s been an absolute blast working here and serving our many customers over the years.
“But we have an opportunity to do something else now, and after many discussions, we’ve decided to grab the opportunity with both hands and run with it!
“He [Michael] has taken up another job elsewhere at a double glazing firm, so he’s completely changed what he’s doing.”
But is not all bad news as Ang promised to keep providing her services on a part-time basis.
“We’ve got some very loyal customers who are very upset we are shutting it down.
“I am going to carry on partly what I was doing here, just fixing horse riding boots and motorcycle leathers,” she said.
Owners recommended their customers to take their broken shoes to the nearest local repairing shop called Footstep Shoe Repairs in Wallace Parade.
They said: “They do a brilliant job. Everyone has to shop local and support local businesses.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone for supporting us for so long. Small businesses right now are struggling. Fortunately, we haven’t as we’ve been really lucky.”
Despite the alternative, the announcement left dozens of loyal customers devastated.
Shopper Adrian Lee posted on Facebook to thank the owners for their service and said it will be missed by the local community.
He said: “Really sorry to hear this. I’ve been coming to this shop for many years after my late Mum recommended you.
“Thanks for all the repairs you have done for me (including reconstructing the Token Pouches for Bluebell Railway). We will miss you.
“Best wishes to both of you, Michael and Angie, for the future and an your new venture brings success to both of you.”
Fellow customer Giz Mo added: “Sad news, I’ve known you for years. I wish you both all the best whatever you are doing.”
It comes as a 150-year-old jeweller was set to close its doors for good within weeks in a move which leaves shoppers with ‘no reason’ to head to the high street.
Goodwins on Hope Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent is to shut for the final time this year.
