Farewell To A Chester Institution
It was only a few months ago that I wrote a post about more shop closures in Chester city centre. At the time the latest shop to close was Disney Store in Foregate Street. You can see the original post HERE. Although a popular store, you would not say that Disney Store was a Chester institution. Since that post, more shops have closed. Very sadly we will be soon saying a farewell to a Chester institution.
Also included in these closures is Toycraft in Watergate Street. Toycraft had been a popular presence in Chester city for more than half a century. Initially, Toycraft owner Beverley Lucas closed half of the store in August last year. A variety of circumstances prevailed at the time. Some of the circumstances are all so very well known to city centre business owners. Namely, parking and business rent and rates.
In the case of Toycraft their annual rates were apparently a princely £27,000 per annum. Wow, that’s some wonga!! A huge £519 per week, or almost £75.00 per day. That’s in Watergate Street. What are the rates I wonder in Eastgate Street and Bridge Street?
Sadly, Toycraft are a ‘gonna’. Farewell to a Chester institution. Very soon however we will again be saying farewell to a Chester institution. An even bigger one at that!!
Farewell To A Chester Institution
Farewell To A Chester Institution-Lowes The Jewellers
So, what is this Chester institution? It is of course the jewellers Lowe and Sons on Bridge Street Row. They will sadly be closing their doors for the very last time on 16th June. That is two weeks from today. As the lease was due to expire, an announcement was made in April that the store would be closing. Why exactly are Lowe and Sons an institution? Quite incredibly they were initially established in Chester in…..wait for it…..1770!!! That’s not a misprint by the way. Lowe and Sons have been in Chester city centre for a remarkable 248 years!!!
I haven’t read anywhere the specific reasons for the closure. If it is a voluntary decision such as retirement, end of a family dynasty or whatever, then fair enough. If closure however has been forced in a way through third party financial pressures then that is beyond sad. I have my own thoughts on this, but now’s not the time or place. Maybe in another post on another day.
Magnificent Store
Anyway, moving on from the possibilities for Lowe’s closure. The shame of it all is that unfortunately it is closing. Not sure if you can make out the photo clearly enough. Hopefully you can. Having called in there last September and taking a good look around you could not fail to be in awe of the premises. A few photos of the sheer quality was a must. Steeped in class, culture and history. One truly magnificent building. Great, loyal and attentive staff as well. Truly a huge shame. I hope those that work there get sorted if they are indeed still to be looking for employment.
Definitely a farewell to a Chester institution.
The Final Two Weeks
Customers are invited to make a ‘reasonable offer’ for the remaining stock available in the final few days. As everything must go, Lowe’s are offering generous discounts, so there could be some great bargains to be had. I think I’ll be popping in to take a few more photos.
I don’t know if anyone will know what will happen to the building after the 16th June. Difficult to say as this is the first time this issue has arisen for 248 years.
For more details of what sales are available at Lowe and Sons and details of their opening hours – click HERE.
Farewell to a Chester institution indeed – I’m sure many, many Cestrians and visitors alike would like to say a big thank you for the service and a huge thank you for the memories.
For More Information on Chester and Chester Lifestyle
If you wish to know more about the beautiful city of Chester and Chester Lifestyle – click HERE.
