‘It’s so sad’, shoppers despair as beloved clothing store closes permanently after 144 years
SHOPPERS are left devastated after a family-run clothing shop has been forced to close after 144 years.
Dancers is run by the fourth and fifth generation of the Dancer family, but the rise in online shopping meant they had to let it go.
Assistant manager Dave Dancer, 37, hoped he could keep up the family tradition and take over the business in Halesowen, Dudley, from his father.
Unfortunately, due to the shift to online shopping and rising running costs, he is unable to do so.
He told Halesowen News: “I’ve been trying to control my emotions and come to terms with it.
“If I won the lottery I would invest in the shop and keep all the staff – it’s my family legacy.”
The beloved store shop which has been a part of the Halesowen high street for nearly 15 decades, started out as a boot shop in 1880 under Queen Victoria I.
After surviving two world wars, the great depression and a global pandemic, it finally has had to close its doors.
Members of the community and the 10 members of staff, some of which are the Dancers family, are all devastated to see it go.
Dave said that the staff who are about to lose their jobs are like one big family and that the whole ordeal is quite emotional.
The team have until December 11 to say their final goodbyes to the historic clothing store.
In the Halesowen shopping area there are parking charges, but Dave said they had made the decision to close together before the charges were implemented.
He added: “It hasn’t helped – it’s been free for seven years – a lot of traders aren’t happy seeing less cars on the car parks and a lack of footfall.
“Over the years footfall has slowly declined as habits have changed.
“Especially during Covid people switched to shop online out of town centres.
“That together with the rising costs of everything including fees of running the building and business rates meant we just can’t keep it going.”
Originating as a boot shop, founded by John Lye in 1880, the company now sells a variety of clothing including school uniforms and scout outfits.
Dancers was created by John and his wife Sarah in 1884, after they moved to Halesowen, building a store for the community on “Good Understandings.”
It now has one of the biggest set of suits and accessories to hire in the area and prides itself on its high quality items and client relations.
The company will continue to offer school uniforms online after the store closes until they are bought out.
The shop has been recognised for its value and was offered a The Legacy Award at The Small Awards 2020, a ceremony which supports small businesses.
Despite this, and giving back to the community by assisting Halesowen Business Improvement District projects, the team must say goodbye to their store.
Dave and his Aunt Janet Duerden, who is in her 70s said at least they are now able to retire and “go out on a high.”