Much-loved Devon homeware store to close after 34 years
Lawsons homeware store in Tavistock will close in February after no one suitable came forward to continue the business
Lawsons homeware store in Tavistock will close after 34 years in February, it has been announced.
The “difficult decision” was made after no one suitable came forward to continue the business as a going concern despite it being on the market for two years.
The building in Parkwood Road has been sold to Julian Foye, a family-owned furniture retailer in Cornwall. This will be the firm’s first showroom in Devon.
Lawsons, which has been in operation for 120 years, will continue to keep its stores in Totnes and Ivybridge open.
Its Plymouth store closed in 2020 after 116 years with bosses citing a change in shopping habits, the decline in the high street and Covid 19 as playing a part.
In a letter to Lawsons customers involved in a membership scheme managing director Liz Lawson said: “I know this will come as a shock to our loyal customers in Tavistock. Lawsons means a great deal not only to me, my family, our hardworking team and to you our loyal customers.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision and has not been made lightly.
“The business has been on the market for two years and I have not found someone suitable to continue the business as a going concern.”
She said she was delighted to find a “like-minded” family business in Julian Foye which “will thrive in Tavistock”.
“Over the years Lawsons has become more than just a business; it has been a gathering place, a trusted resource, and a part of countless local stories and milestones.
“It has been an immense privilege to be part of the Tavistock community for the last 34 years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers, we would not have been the success we are without your support, it has meant everything and we will miss you all.
She said “the most painful aspect” was “losing our close colleagues”.
“I could not be more grateful to the Tavistock team both past and present; they are the beating heart of this shop. Their dedication, warmth, and hard work are the reason we’ve had the privilege of staying open for 34 years. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment and passion.”
Lawsons put its Tavistock, Totnes and Ivybridge shops on the market after closing the Plymouth store saying there was no next generation to hand the business over to.
Ms Lawson, who is the fourth generation of her family to run the firm, said at the time she had mixed emotions about selling the business.
Cllr Neil Jory (Con, Milton Ford), who is leader for economy and jobs on West Devon Borough Council said the situation was “worrying” for the high street in Tavistock as Lawsons drew many people into town.
“The high street has been quite successful in having new businesses moving in in recent months but it is concerning when these things happen especially when it is such a long established business and affects jobs,” he said.
He said he was pleased that the shop would not be vacant for long and the authority would be working closely with Tavistock Business Improvement District to see how it could attract more retailers to Tavistock.
He added that with UK Shared Prosperity Fund now going to strategic mayoral authorities only and no longer available to district councils, it meant that what the authority could do was “limited”.
Lawsons will close at the end of February.