John Wherritt in Scarborough to close after 181 years

John Wherritt, located at 5 – 7 Eastborough in Scarborough, has revealed that it is preparing to close for the last time tomorrow (Saturday, July 18) as its owners are set to retire.

First opening in 1845, the shop has evolved to offer different stock over the years and now offers an array of goods from soft toys and tourist souvenirs to clocks and a variety of different homeware items.

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The shop predates the telephone and welcomed its first customers in the same year that the rubber band and self-raising flour were invented.

In a Facebook post, The ‘Wherritt Ladies’ – the shop’s owners – shared news of the shop’s closure and thanked their customers for visiting over the years, pushing the date back by a week to allow more people to come and say goodbye.

They said: “WOW!!!…..after announcing our retirement and planned closing date, we’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the response. Your messages, memories and kind words have meant more to us than we can say.

“Our closing down sale has been so busy, we have decided to stay open for one extra week to give everyone the chance to pop in before we close our doors for the final time. Saturday 18th July.”

Hundreds of people responded to the post sharing memories of visiting the shop on childhood holidays and wishing the sisters well in their retirement.

The shop has been listed as ‘sold’ on Rightmove, although it not believed that the new owners will continue the John Wherritt brand.