The Rushden drapery store of Roe Brothers Ltd is to close down after almost 70 years of trading in the town centre.
Mr Gregory Roe will lock the door of his corner shop for the last time on March 19.
He and his wife, Eilen, a director in the business, are leaving Rushden to retire to a bungalow by the sea at Bangor, Northern Ireland.
The couple will be at home among a host of relatives of Mrs Roe who was born in Ireland.
The drapery was started by Mr Roe’s father, William, and uncle, James. The Lincolnshire brothers decided to set up on their own after serving apprenticeships.
The original store, which is now an estate agents, was on the corner of High Street and Victoria Road, Rushden.
Mr Roe, who is 65, joined his father’s shop straight from school at the age of 16.
He eventually inherited the family business, which he moved 16 years ago to its present rented premises on the corner of High Street and Coffee Tavern Lane.
Mr and Mrs Roe, of 26 Knuston Spinney, Irchester, have been members of Rushden Parish Church for many years. Mr Roe is a former church warden.
Mr Roe is chairman of the men’s branch of Rushden Toc H and his wife is pilot of the women’s branch. She is also a founder member of the Friday Darby and Joan Club.
