A shoemaker shop is set to close its doors for good after nearly a century in business.
Whittakers has had a presence in Bolton since it was first set up by Jack Whittaker in 1923. These days, the shop can be found on Deansgate in the town centre.
It has been a popular high street staple for decades and has more recently become a key stop for parents looking to find their children's schoolwear.
But, with the decline of town centre shopping and the hammer-blow of Covid-19, Jack's daughters Diane Davies and Judith Firth have decided the time is right to shut the business.
"Covid was the final nail in the coffin," Diane said.
"But it's just generally down to the town centre declining.
"Places like Bolton are becoming dilapidated and we've not got the footfall that we used to have.
"The internet has taken a big chunk out of our sales. Many of our customers are older - they've not been visiting as much recently.
"It's so hard and I want to be able to sleep again at night and not worry about paying the bills. I have been there at work for 41 years, so I'm going to take a break.
"My dad used to shell more shoes than anywhere in the north of England, at one point it was really successful. But with supermarkets and department stores, our sales have been declining year after year.
"Bolton used to be such a busy town centre, but it's just not any more. The council has these plans and I hope they come good. I really hope it can be busy again but it will take a lot of work and it's fallen into such a bad state."
Since announcing plans to close this week, co-owner Diane says she has been inundated with messages from customers.
She said it will be a sad to say goodbye to staff, including cousin and shop manager Amanda Thornley.
Diane added: "It's very sad but we've had hundreds of messages from customers wishing us well and saying thanks for our work.
"I just hope all our staff get fixed up with work they've been with us for such a long time - that's the hardest thing really."
Whittakers Shomakers will close on Saturday, November 28, following a closing down sale.
The building is expected to go up for sale and could be purchased by a new owner.
