It's an end of an era for Rutland's independent department store Ford's of Oakham as it plans to close its doors after nearly 150 years in the town, as the family move their attention back to funeral directing.
Ford's of Oakham, which opened in 1877, has been Rutland's one-stop shop for gifts, homewares, clothing, toys, electrical and much more for many years and it will be a sad sight to see it close later this year on August 31st - or until stock lasts.
In an article with Stamford & Rutland Mercury owner Richard White said: "Richard White, whose family has run the business for nearly 150 years said: “We know the people of Rutland will be sad to see Ford’s Department Store close its doors but the family business will still be very much at the heart of the county and we will continue to serve as independent funeral directors, as we have done for generations.”
Although the store itself with close, the building will continue to be used by the Ford family business as offices for Ford's Funeral Directors.