Mortens of Ilkley to Close Permanently After 87 Years

Mortens of Ilkley, a hardware store that has served its community for 87 years, has confirmed its permanent closure following the Christmas period. The establishment, which commenced trading in 1937, was acquired earlier this year by David Jowett, a long-term employee, and his wife, Sharron. Despite this recent change in ownership, the couple announced via a Facebook post that the shop would cease operations by the year’s end “with great sadness.” In their social media announcement, Mr. and Mrs. Jowett extended their gratitude to everyone “who has supported Mortens over the years.” Mr. Jowett, who began working at Mortens in 1980 at the age of 16, assumed control of the business with his wife in July. When previously interviewed by the BBC, the couple had expressed their desire to maintain the store’s high street presence for as long as feasible. However, in their Facebook update on Thursday, they stated: “When we took over the business, we did so knowing it would be tough with the retail climate as it is today. “However, we were full of hope and confidence that along with our amazing staff we could make it work.”Unfortunately, this has proved not to be the case. Too many circumstances outside of our control have collectively contributed to us being unable to continue. “We realise that this will come as a huge shock to many and Ilkley as a town.”” Ralph Morten established Mortens, but his wife Barbara assumed management of the business during World War Two. In the 1970s, the Morten family sold the shop to Brian Senior and Keith Hart, both of whom had initially joined the staff as teenagers. Subsequently, Stephen, Mr. Senior’s son, took over the business.