Tunbridge Wells historic jewellers to close its doors

Historic jewellery store in Tunbridge Wells, Payne & Son, is set to close after becoming a ‘victim to the rise in online shopping’.

The store, which originally started as Payne & Son (Silversmiths) in Kent in 1790 and then opened an outlet in the town 146 years ago, is being forced to close after poor sales following an increase in online shopping.

The owner of the business, Francis Starkie, decided the business was unsustainable after a ‘very poor Christmas’ and concluded he had no choice but to close the historic store, reports the Times of Tunbridge Wells.

Jo Wicker, sales consultant at the store, told the news outlet that footfall and spend was 25% lower than 2014 for the company. She said this was due to internet sales.

Wicker sent an email to customers stating: “It is with deep regret that I and my colleagues, Denise M. Haigh and Gill Lambert, have to inform you that, due to ongoing economic difficulties and a poor Christmas trading period, we have been left with no other option than to close the business.”

The store is expected to close in April.