It's the "end of an era" as a Yarm jewellers prepares to close after almost 21 years in town.
Whittakers Jewellers has been providing the "finest quality jewellery" from its home on the High Street for decades - but it was revealed last weekend that the shop would be closing down.
Signs were erected on the windows of the store stating that "everything must go", with crowds pictured flocking to the jewellers over the weekend to browse deals before the shutters were pulled down for good.
Several small closing down sale signs have since been placed across the front windows of the store, while a large sign has been pinned up just beneath the Whittaker’s logo.
Whittakers posted on Facebook saying it is sad to be leaving but added that it has "treasured" its time on the high street. Bosses also took time to thank the "amazing customers" who they now see as "family and friends".
A statement said: "We are sad we are leaving but we have treasured the 21 years we’ve been here on the High Street.
"We had a family meeting and decided to do the sale before Christmas rather than after, to make sure our amazing customers get the best deals for Christmas.
"We think of our customers as family and friends after all these years and we will miss you all too. We wish everyone well and it will be lovely to see everyone in the shop.
Whittakers has garnered a strong reputation with customers over the years, boasting a 4.9 star rating on Google Reviews.
They praised the store as "amazing" - describing the jewellery selection as "gorgeous" and the staff as "pleasant, helpful, knowledgeable and honest".
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News of the closure was posted online over the weekend, and saw swathes of residents commenting on how the firm would be "sadly missed".
One person commented: "Another great business leaving the High Street. Will be missed."
The reason behind the closure is not yet known. The Northern Echo has attempted to contact Whittakers Jewellers for more information.
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