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.