Candler and Sons in Felixstowe is set to close.

One of Felixstowe’s oldest family-owned businesses will soon be closing its doors for the final time, after more than a century of service.

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Candler and Sons Ltd started selling furniture to the town’s residents in 1907 and since then it has become part of the fabric of the town.

But as the shop’s retirement sale continues, the current owner, Donald Candler, 92, said it was the right time to close as he paid tribute to the customers who have come to the shop over the years.

Mr Candler, who became managing director of the company in 1990, said: “It’s been very enjoyable here.

“I appreciate all the support of the customers over the years, it’s always been a pleasure to serve them and we’ve had some very good staff over the years.

“We are one of the oldest retailers in Felixstowe and I have decided that, because of my age, and the present situation in business, the time is right.”

Candler and Sons first began trading from Gainsborough Road in 1907 before moving to Hamilton Road just before the First World War.

The shop’s retirement sale started yesterday and queues of people braved the wintery conditions to take home the furniture the shop had on offer.

After the store has given more than a century of service, business leaders and community figures in the town were quick to pay tribute to Mr Candler.

Chairman of the town’s chamber of trade, Andrew Rowdon, said: “It’s the end of an era.

“It’s going to be a shame to lose someone like that. I just hope that whoever does come in is going to be of benefit to the town.”

Paul Bloomfield, of Bloomfields, said: “It will be a shame to see them go. They have been around for such a long time.”

Mayor of Felixstowe, Doreen Savage, added: “It’s been part of the fabric of Hamilton Road for such a long time.

“It was part of my childhood and it’s just been part of the fabric of Hamilton Road for as long as I can remember. It’s sad, but he does deserve to retire after serving the town for so long.”

The shop’s retirement sale is due to continue today and it is not yet known when the shop will officially close.

What will you miss about the shop? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@ eveningstar.co.uk