A CHESHIRE town's oldest independent department store has sadly announced its closure after 112 years of trading.
Hancock and Wood first opened its doors on Bridge Street, Warrington, in 1914 as a family business.
The store was the creation of Frederick Hancock back in the early 1900s and has been passed down to his family members throughout the decades.
Despite jumping hurdles like the pandemic, which saw many national chains and department stores fall into liquidation, the store has now announced its sad closure.
It released a statement, noting that the decision to close was “not taken lightly” after the store’s success and history within the town.
They said: "After 112 years, we have made the rather sad decision to close the store.
"As you will imagine this is something that has not been taken lightly, however the ever increasing burden of employment costs , public utilities , business rates - not to mention the sheer amount of legislation that has to be navigated - has left us with little room for manoeuvre and we now feel it is the time to bow out.
"We are immensely proud to be one of Warrington’s oldest businesses, having been founded in 1914 and are deeply grateful to everyone – staff , customers and suppliers who have been instrumental in our longevity."
The spokesperson added the store does intend to "go out with a bang", with a closing down sale date to be announced shortly.
This will be followed by the iconic building being put on sale for the first time in more than 100 years.
While the business has faced some hurdles, its ability to evolve with the times has allowed it to remain a storefront familiar to families across Warrington over the decades.
With the shop taking on a new lease of life as it began selling online during the pandemic.
When we previously spoke to the founder's great granddaughter, Susie Hancock, as the shop marked its 110th birthday back in 2024, she reminisced on her own memories of walking the shop floors during her youth.
She said: "I used to work here when I was younger, and I would come in and help when I was little. I have two sons, Billie, 11, and Henry, 9, who now come in and help too.”
The store was also the backdrop of a prominent picture which captured Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Warrington back in 1968, as she wandered through the crowds on Bridge Street and past Hancock and Wood.
In a final message following the announcement of the closure, the firm added: "I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of the Hancock family to extend our thanks, once again to all those customers and staff, past and present, who have supported us over the years.
"It will indeed be a sad day for us to say goodbye to Warrington."
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