Bodgers of Iford confirms its future closure

The oldest department store in Ilford, Bodgers, has confirmed it is set to close down business for good in February 2018.

The store, owned by the Morleys Stores Group, has been in operation for 125 years but is set to shut down following irrecuperable losses. The business is set to enter into consultation with its 70 members of staff and is hoping to relocate them to other stores in its portfolio, which includes eight stores across London and South East.

"We have done everything we can over the last few years to improve profitability, including significantly reducing our cost base nevertheless we have been unable to reverse the decline, resulting in losses which are not sustainable in the long term," said managing director David Hordle on the closure.

He added that the Morleys Stores Group was not affected by the circumstances which ultimately led to the store's end and that they had always done their best to serve the local community. “We realise this is a very difficult time for the staff and their families and we are doing everything in our power to ensure the best possible outcome for them under the circumstances," he said to a local newspaper.

The department store first opened its doors in 1890 under name of its founder John Bodgers as a drapers. Over the years the store expanded its assortment and in 1959 it was acquired by its current owners.

Photo: Bodgers of Ilford, Facebook