14-05-2025
Family-owned retailer in city centre closes for good after 295 years as boss says ‘it's difficult to swallow'
AN historic firm has ceased trading with "great sadness" after nearly three centuries
CLOSED DOWN Family-owned retailer in city centre closes for good after 295 years as boss says 'it's difficult to swallow'
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A FAMILY-OWNED firm has closed down after nearly 300 years, in a decision the boss says is "difficult to swallow."
The company is believed to be the 'oldest' in the city, having been established 295 years ago.
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Atleys is closing down after nearly 300 years
Credit: Google
Based in Coventry and founded in 1730, Astleys specialised in cleaning, hygiene and janitorial products.
It has now closed for good after it entered solvent liquidation and ceased trading.
Directors David and Jonathan said the firm is one of a few independent retailers still operating in the city as the West Midlands has seen a surge in multinational firms.
The closure was caused by several factors, including consumer shopping habits changing after Covid-19.
Rising costs were also an issue as operational costs were described as "increasingly difficult to swallow" by the directors.
In their statement, they said that supplies felt pressured to reduce overheads, often prioritising "fewer, larger customers" over smaller independents which made it difficult to compete in a crowded market.
In a joint statement they said: 'It is with great sadness that the directors of the business have taken the decision to end our relationship with thousands of wonderful customers.
"However, it is time to make this decision whilst we are in the position to be able to withdraw with honour held.
"We are conducting a controlled shutdown, ensuring that we pay all our staff, suppliers and other creditors.
"Astleys has not gone bust, we are entering solvent liquidation."
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"Many of our customers have said many wonderful things and expressed shock and disappointment.
"We have heard that Astleys is part of Coventry, and indeed, after 295 years of employing Coventrians, serving Coventry businesses and paying our taxes and dues, we also feel that sentiment.
They added: "If only history paid the bills."
Astley's sold a range of practical products, including protective clothing, chemicals and tools.
Customers on social media expressed sadness at the business' closure, commenting on the high quality, affordable clothing as the biggest loss.
One customer wrote: "Astley's was a really good supplier and good prices. Shame this goes too."
Online reviews praise friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as good value, high-quality workwear.
One reviews reads: "Great prices, great service, knowledgeable staff."
The store was based in Coventry Business Park and employed staff from the local area.
It comes amid nationwide closures affecting a range of independent businesses.
This has affected historic family-owned businesses like a DIY shop in Yorkshire and a newsagents in Ely.
