It’s the end of an era for one of Tenby’s longest-established businesses.

The directors of T. P. Hughes have announced that they have accepted an offer from M & Co, a national department store group, to lease their block of property fronting on High Street, Upper Frog Street and St. Nicholas Lane, including the extensions into Bank Lane.

“It is intended that carpets, beds, furniture and home furnishings will maintain their traditions of quality, service and value from the current carpet shop location in Upper Frog Street, serviced by their substantial warehouse in the Salterns Industrial Estate,” a statement issued by the directors said this week.

David Hughes, T.P.’s chairman, said that it was terribly sad to be giving up clothing and accessories after 114 years of trading in Tenby.

He said the need for change had become inevitable in the face of rising occupancy costs, wage increases, online or out of town competition and the burden of ever-increasing regulations.

“Perhaps a national company with qualified head office staff and full internet capability would be better equipped to cope with these challenges,” said Mr. Hughes.

The press release added: “Staff issues resulting from these changes are being addressed. We are doing our best to accommodate everyone. There will be some members of staff who will be happy to go and others may find employment with the new retailer.”

M & Co have almost 300 stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and have chosen Tenby to commence their expansion into Wales. Their ranges include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories.

As advertised in last week’s issue, T. P. Hughes closed last Friday in preparation for the Great £480,000 Stock Sell-Out, which got underway for invited customers on Wednesday. Huge queues formed outside an hour before. The sale will be open to the general public from today (Friday).

It is understood the handover will take place mid-May.