The store was first opened in 1872 but will shut for the final time on January 10, 2026 – although its other locations will remain open
One of the oldest shoe retailers in the UK is closing one of its high street stores after 153 years of service.
Robin Elt Shoes in Worcester was first opened in 1872 but will shut for the final time on January 10, 2026. Its other stores in Hereford, Ludlow, Malvern, Leominster and Totnes will remain open as normal.
Managing director Jenny Elt described the closure as “very sad” for the family-run business – but said the location was no longer financially viable.
She said: “It’s very difficult for myself, being the family business, it’s very sad to have to come to this decision. The shop is no longer viable as a store that can continue into the future, unfortunately. We can’t pick money out of thin air.”
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “Like all city centres, Worcester is facing the challenge of online shopping and a move to town centres being more focused on leisure and entertainment activities.
“Worcester City Council, working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester BID and other stakeholders, has carried out extensive work to support our city centre traders.
“Worcester has a distinctive shopping offering combining well-known high street brands with unique independent traders, and we are proud to support that model, including as a partner in the recently established Independent Retailers Forum.”
The spokesperson added: “We have attracted significant funding to invest in the area, including £4.5 million to improve the public realm, which has seen a major refurbishment and improvements in the Shambles, making the area more attractive and accessible.”
It comes after The Mirror reported that the charity shop chain Scope has closed three more high street branches this weekend. The closures come as part of wider plans for the disability equality charity to shut 77 shops this year.
The stores that have closed this weekend are located in Morden, Torquay and Washington. Scope had 138 shops at the time of launching a consultation into the closures in January this year, which came after the charity forecast a £1.5million loss.
At the time, the charity warned around 200 retail staff may be made redundant under the proposals, while approximately 2,000 volunteers would also be impacted.
Debbie Boylen, head of retail at Scope, said: “Our shops have helped us raise vital income to support our work with disabled people and their families.
“Having consulted with our colleagues and volunteers on proposals to close 77 of our shops, we’re very sad to confirm our shops in Morden, Torquay and Washington will close on Saturday, 6 December.“
