STEAD & Simpson, of Welshpool, has closed its doors after 123 years in business. 

First opening in 1893, Stead & Simpsons has been a Welshpool landmark for generations. 

In a statement to the County Times, Audrey Pugh, who has been the store manager since 1988, said: “The staff of Stead & Simpson in Welshpool would like to thank all their loyal customers and friends who they have got to know over the years. 

“We would like to thank everyone for their good wishes, we are going to miss you all.”

In 1953, the shop moved from 25 Broad Street to its final location, no 10, before being taken over by Shoe Zone in 2008. 

The store, which employed a total of six full and part time staff, is set to be turned into a Greggs Bakery later in the summer. 

A spokesperson for Shoe Zone said: “We can confirm that our Stead & Simpson store in Welshpool closed on Saturday, May 14, as our landlord exercised a break clause in our lease.

“We would like to thank our staff for their commitment and hard work and thank our customers for their support and custom over the years”.