Final message to customers as Hanley Brassingtons shuts forever

-Credit: (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
-Credit: (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)


A family-run shoe shop has issued a final message to customers as it closes for the final time today. Brassingtons on Hanley's Piccadilly shut for good at 5pm after 123 years in the city centre.

Meanwhile, the Brassingtons branch on Market Street, in Longton is currently being refurbished.

A Brassingtons spokesman said: "Today's the day! After 123 years in Hanley, today is our last day. As sad as it is, we are looking onward and upward and the Longton shop is looking fantastic, it's almost unrecognisable (in a good way). Don't worry, it's still going to be the traditional shoe shop you know and love!

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us and bought from us over those 123 years. We are looking forward to seeing new and old faces alike in Longton from Monday onwards."

Brassingtons has been a popular destination for shoppers since it was founded in Hanley during 1901 by Lewis Brassington. Thousands of Potteries children would have been taken to buy their school shoes there – with the owners likening it to ‘Ollivander’s wand shop in Harry Potter’.

The shop was originally situated in Parliament Row (near Pound Bakery) before moving to Piccadilly in 1938. Five generations of Lewis Brassington’s family have worked at the store.

Owners Peter and Louise Brassington announced they were closing the Piccadilly branch earlier this month – citing ‘no passing trade’.

Shoppers shared their sadness over the closure on social media. One wrote: "I have many happy memories of Brassingtons sitting in the back watching my Grandad Llew Farrington working in the store, going for my new shoes for school or holidays. The shop was a huge part of my early life. Good luck with your move to Longton, I’m sure my Grandad will be there with you in sprit today for one last walk along the little corridor."

Another said: "End of an era - we’ll be seeing you in Longton. Sad as it is, we’re relieved not to have to go to Hanley for anything now!"

And a third added: "So long - can't believe I bought my first docs nearly 40 years ago! Good luck and we will see you soon,."

READ MORE: Inside Brassingtons as Hanley shoe shop to close after 123 years

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