The last remaining Beales shop in the UK is set to close its doors for good at the end of May.
The branch, located in the Dolphin Centre shopping mall in Poole, Dorset, will close because of budget tax and wage increases.
Its chief executive Tony Brown said: ‘This, coupled with the risks and uncertainty of further tax increases in the coming years, have left us no other option.
‘We have been working with the Dolphin Centre, who have been supportive, along with our investors to ensure an orderly exit.
‘Our team has been informed, as have our suppliers. We will ensure the exit is managed and no one will be left with a financial loss.’
The news comes as the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) warns other shops could follow a similar pattern.
It warned that the rise in national insurance contributions and the higher minimum wage will impact other businesses.
Its commercial director Jeff Moody said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of Beales’ closure.
The second to last branch to close was the store in Southport, Liverpool (Picture: PA)
‘This is not just the loss of another shop – it represents the end of a retail institution that has served communities for nearly one-and-a-half centuries.
‘This closure starkly illustrates the devastating impact that recent tax increases are having on our retail sector.’
Beales has been a staple on the British high street since 1881 and opened its first branch in Bournemouth.
Younger shoppers have also shifted more towards online shopping, which impacts shops like Beales which rely a lot on high street footfall.
22 of its 23 stores closed in January 2020 when Beales went into administration.
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