'There was no option' - Management of Boston retailer comment on end of 170-year-old business
The management of a historic retailer in Boston have commented on the shop’s closure, saying ‘there was no option’ other than to cease trading.
On Monday (April 13), Coneys, in Wide Bargate, closed its doors for the final time after 170 years’ business in the town.
On a notice attached to the front of the shop, the business said: “Due to economic challenges, the director of Coneys of Lincoln Limited (trading as Coneys Boston) has regrettably taken the decision to cease trading, meaning that the store is closed with effect from April 13, 2026.”
The notice goes on to include a comment from director Scott Crowson.
This reads: “All possible avenues have been explored to save the business and keep the store open, but due to significant increases in costs and declining sales it was decided that there was no option other than to close this store.
“The management of the business would like to thank all the staff for their efforts in difficult trading conditions and to all our customers for their support since the store opened.”
Arrangements are being made to place Coneys of Lincoln Limited into voluntary liquidation, the notice adds.
Coneys had one of the longest histories of a retailer in Boston.
It had been trading in the town since 1856, when the shop was first located in Strait Bargate, next to the former WHSmiths.
In 1956, it formed a Limited company and moved to its final location in Wide Bargate, expanding over time.