A furniture business dating back almost 130 years will shut a beloved UK store. The retailer has confirmed it will shut the site for good in weeks, with a closing down sale in place until then.

Leekes, a family business founded in 1897, will close its store in Bilston, Wolverhampton, on Sunday, August 2. The news comes after the company announced plans to invest in the store in 2022, including new furniture studios from Ercol, Stressless and Alexander & James. The refurbishment also included launching a new studio for garden furniture and installing solar panels at the store.

The store in Bilston opened in 2009 and soon became popular among locals looking to fill out their homes. It stocked a variety of items, ranging from sofas, armchairs and beds to wardrobes and home accessories.

A spokesperson for the company thanked customers for their support over the years. A closing-down sale has already begun and will remain in place until the shop closes for good at the start of August.

A spokesperson for Leekes said: “The closure marks the end of an era for Leekes in the Midlands.

“For more than 15 years, Leekes Bilston has been a cherished destination for homeowners across the region, and the outpouring of affection from customers visiting the sale has been a testament to the fond memories made within its walls.”

The statement continued: “Staff and shoppers alike have been sharing their stories, reflecting on years of inspired home transformations and the warm, expert service that has made Leekes a household name.

“While the Bilston chapter is drawing to a close, Leekes remains as strong as ever. Family owned since 1897, this beloved British retailer has thrived for almost 130 years – and continues to do so.”

Elsewhere in the UK, Leekes operates stores in Llantrisant, Cross Hands and Tonypandy, all in South Wales, as well as Melksham and Cheltenham. Bilston was the company’s only site in the Midlands.

A UK plumbing company has collapsed into administration, according to a notice in The Gazette. The notice states that Fayers Plumbing and Building Supplies, which has been operating since 1884, has fallen into administration, with Sarah Cook and Andy John of FRP Advisory Trading Limited appointed as administrators on June 8, 2026.

The family business offers a wide range of services and stock of plumbing, heating, sanitaryware and building products, and currently has four trade counters located in Enfield, Barnet, Burkhurst Hill and King’s Cross. The reason for its collapse has not been confirmed. However, it comes at a time where business across the nation are facing immense financial pressure.

At the moment, the company’s website is still up and running, where customers can open a trade account or request a quote for any of its services.

According to its most recent accounts on Companies House, the company saw a year-on-year increase in total sales in 2024. However, its gross profit margin fell, “demonstrating tougher trading conditions and competition”.

It added that Fayers Plumbing and Building Supplies’ trade counters saw a 11.4% decline in sales and a 21.9% reduction in gross profit, while showroom sales increased by 2.2%.

The company’s showrooms are located at its Just Add Water (JAW) stores in New Barnet and Buckhurst Hill.

According to the website, Just Add Water has been part of the Fayers Group since 1991, focusing on “design-led bathrooms”.

It added: “The Just Add Water team has the ability to provide advice and design services from the individual bathroom in your home to major developments such as hotels and large residential developments.”

The independent company has four-star ratings across all its trade counters, except its Enfield one, with customers praising the company for its “excellent service” and “high quality products”.

The Express has contacted Fayers Plumbing and Building Supplies for comment.