A HALESOWEN shop which has survived 144 years - through two world wars, depressions, recessions and a pandemic - has announced the sad news that it is to close.
Family-run clothing shop Dancers, which began life as a boot shop back in 1880 - has become synonymous with the High Street in Halesowen.
But rising costs and the shift to online shopping has meant that the family has taken the difficult decision to close the shop in mid-December.
The move will mean that ten staff, including family members, will lose their jobs.
Assistant manager Dave Dancer, who had hoped to take over the Peckingham Street business from his father, said: "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."
Dave said the family made the collective decision before parking charges were introduced but he said: "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."
The 37-year-old said the decision had been emotional as staff are like one big family.
Dave said: "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 shop, which gets involved with the community and works on projects with Halesowen BID (Business Improvement District), was founded by John Dancer in 1880 in Lye and was first advertised as a boot provider.
In May 1884 John and his wife Sarah moved to Halesowen, where he continued to be a part of the local community, building his business on “Good Understandings.”
Over the years it has evolved into selling clothes for all the family, including school, scout and guides uniforms and developed one of the largest collections of suits and accessories to hire in the area.
It prides itself on selling quality products and providing great customer service and was crowned winner of the Legacy Award at The Small Awards 2020, which recognise small businesses.
The company will continue to supply schoolwear online for the foreseeable future, until this is bought by another schoolwear business.
The firm is now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Dancer family.
Dave had hoped to take over the running of the business from his father Mike Dancer, who is in his 70s and aunt Janet Duerden.
Dave said one positive would be that they would be able to retire and "go out on a high."
He said: "They have played a massive part in keeping it running."
The shop is expected to close its doors for the last time on December 11.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here