Independent furniture retailer Brian Cooke Furnishers has confirmed plans to close next month.

Situated on Shanklin High Street on the Isle of Wight, the family furniture business, which began trading back in 1982, will close during September when all stock is cleared.

The current owners, Kevin and Tony Cooke, sons of founder Brian Cooke, decided the time was right to retire after 26 years of managing the business, bringing an end to over 40 years of trade.

The company cited how “retail has changed” in Shanklin with footfall also declining since major banks closed in the area.

This coupled with no online presence prompted the decision to close and enter retirement. The shop has not yet confirmed an official last day of trading, other than when most of the stock is cleared.