IT’S the end of an era as Wallingford department store Pettits prepares to downsize.

The store, which dates back to 1856, is expected to close in March so that work to refurbish the ground floor can take place while nine flats are built on the upper floor.

Once the flats have been built at the store in St Mary’s Street, it will reopen before Christmas, or by the spring of 2016, when the flats will be completed.

Store owner Richard Rowse, who also owns nearby hardware store Champions, announced the plan as Pettits was no longer profitable.

He said there would be some job losses at Pettits, where about 40 staff work.

One member of staff who is well aware of the history of the store is general manager Kevin Willis, also manager of Champions.

Mr Willis, 45, from Benson, started work as a sales assistant aged 16 in 1985.

He said staff were told of the proposals last month and consultation was under way regarding job losses.

It is not yet known how many staff will be made redundant.

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Mr Willis, store manager of Pettits since 1997, said: “Staff were told in the middle of January and there is a lot of sadness and disappointment because this is a family business – there are one or two people who have worked here for decades.

“But staff have not let this affect their performance.There is no longer a supermarket opposite after Waitrose moved its store to the other end of the street, so we don’t get as much footfall.

“And Waitrose also sells some homeware items, so that’s a double whammy, and there is competition online.

“We are one of the last independent department stores and I think there is still a place in the market for us.

“We have had some lovely comments from customers who say they are sad but they understand.”

Mr Willis said homeware and toys would now switch to Champions. And pop-up Pettits stores in empty shop units in the town centre are being planned, so that the sale of menswear, and ladies fashion and lingerie can continue.

Lingerie department manager Janet Burgess, 51, from Wallingford. who has worked at Pettits for 16 years, said: “My mum used to bring me here when I was a little girl.

“I hope to continue with Pettits as it goes forward.”

Town councillor Bernard Stone said: “We would much rather Pettits was saved than it was put at financial risk.”

Pettits was opened in 1856 by William Pettit. The store stayed in the Pettit family until 1987, when it was sold to the Rowse family.

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