‘A big hole in the shopping street’ fans sob when jewelers have to close after 100 years
A much-loved jeweler is closing its doors after 100 years.
The family-run store will pull down its shutters for the final time on March 28 and shoppers are devastated.
WE Cro and Son opened in 1924 on the high street of Crowborough in East Sussex and has been run by three generations.
Announcing the news on social media, the store said it was time for the current owners to take a well-deserved rest.
The emotional post went on to say how much it will miss its customers.
It said: ‘Three generations of Cro have owned and operated the shop over the past hundred years, with Jim & Carolyn managing in recent years and Sue retiring eight years ago.
“After 48 years in February, in which Jim repaired watches and clocks together with his father and served many customers in the store with his family, it is time for rest and with a heavy heart we announce that from March 28 Jim will retire in 2024 and WE Cro & Son will close.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 100 years and we hope we get the opportunity to thank you personally.”
The store is holding a closing sale until the last day of trading.
One Facebook user said: “A well deserved rest but a big hole in the high street that’s for sure. You will be sadly missed.”
Another wrote: “You will certainly be missed on the high streets.
“Sad to hear you are closing, but thank you for all your great service and advice over the years. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.”
A third shouted: ‘Such sad news to hear you are closing. Crowborough won’t be the same without you.’
And a fourth sobbed: “You will be sorely missed but you deserve some quality time for yourself. Happy retirement.”
The high street shop repairs watches, clocks and jewelery and offers other services such as engraving.
Current owners Jim and Sue joined their parents in the family business when they left school.
Jim, who started in 1976, acquired the skills of his father and grandfather, while Sue specialized in the gemstone and jewelry side of the business.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The main street is almost unrecognizable compared to what it once was, with some locals describing their town as more of a ‘ghost town’.
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the rising cost of living, with high rents and bills making it impossible to survive.
Shoppers no longer have the cash to splash like they used to, with many just managing to get by after paying for essentials.
Last year, popular retailers such as Wilko fell under administration and disappeared from the shopping streets for good.
Fans were devastated by the discounter’s demise, but it appears the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range took over the website and brand name last year and has since started opening a number of new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and the opening dates of a further two locations have recently been announced.
The stores in St Albans and Rotherham will open at 9am on Good Friday, March 29.
Meanwhile, it’s not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently went into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect, but administrators of the major retailer said they wanted to “safeguard the future of the brand” with the restructuring.
Struggling fashion brand Superdry is also exploring various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new stores, with one coming within weeks.
In addition, B&M will open six new locations in early 2024, including in the former Wilko stores that it took over.
See the full list of stores opening on the high street in our overview.
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