WITH the closure of Tenby's cherished 123-year-old store, TP Hughes, a local family shares their gratitude for its longstanding community presence and memories.

Known as the ‘heart of Tenby since 1902’, the store has been a familiar name on the high street for generations, celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

One Tenby family has voiced its appreciation through a letter shared with the Tenby Observer.

On behalf of her husband Freddy, herself and their family, Sue Broomhead writes:

“With the final closing of TP Hughes at the end of [March 2026], Freddy, our family and I did not want to miss the opportunity to say a big thank you to all the Hughes family for being such a cherished part of our local community for more than a century.

“Your stores have been far more than a place to shop for many of our local needs; it has been a place of kindness, familiarity, and shared memories for generations of families like ours. The care and warmth you brought to every customer made your stores feel like a true cornerstone of the Tenby high street, and we are so grateful for all the support and community you gave us over the years.

“Our family’s life is woven with memories of TP Hughes. As a child I lived just across the high street, above the Dairy, and my cat would often sun himself in TP Hughes window. It amazed me to see the money whizzing across the ceiling to and from the cashier’s booth, and every year I watched with disbelief as Father Christmas walked across the roof. I was sure he was bringing my presents.

“Sixty five years ago Freddy and I were married and I purchased my wedding dress from TP Hughes - the ladies did such a wonderful job making all the alterations. When we welcomed our children and our family grew we looked to TP Hughes for our first baby clothes and all the supplies we needed. Over the years, and through our many house moves we’ve always looked to TP Hughes for all our needs and never experienced anything less than first class service. The same has always been true for so many more milestones in our lives.

“Thank you for being there through all these moments and for the countless ways you served the community in Tenby. TP Hughes will always hold a very special place in our hearts.”