A well-established shoe retailer in the UK is set to close one of its long-standing high street stores after serving customers for 153 years. Robin Elt Shoes, located in Worcester and operational since 1872, will permanently shut its doors on January 10, 2026. However, the company’s other branches in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster, and Totnes will continue to operate unaffected.
Jenny Elt, the managing director, expressed sadness over the closure of the family-owned business, attributing the decision to the store’s lack of financial viability for future operations. She emphasized the difficulty of the situation, stating, “We can’t pick money out of thin air.” The closure marks the end of an era for the longstanding establishment.
Meanwhile, Worcester City Council acknowledged the challenges faced by city centers due to the rise of online shopping and a shift towards leisure and entertainment offerings. The council, in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester BID, and other stakeholders, has been actively supporting city center traders. Worcester boasts a diverse shopping scene that combines popular high street brands with unique independent retailers, with ongoing efforts to enhance the area’s appeal and accessibility through significant investments.
In a related development, charity shop chain Scope has recently closed three additional high street branches, aligning with its broader strategy to shut down 77 shops this year. The closures, which occurred in Morden, Torquay, and Washington, are part of Scope’s initiative following a forecasted £1.5 million loss. The charity aims to mitigate the impact on both retail staff and volunteers as it navigates these closures.
Debbie Boylen, Scope’s head of retail, expressed regret over the closures, highlighting the crucial role played by the shops in supporting the charity’s initiatives for disabled individuals and their families. The affected branches ceased operations on Saturday, December 6, as part of the organization’s restructuring efforts to sustain its core mission amid financial challenges.