ONE of Bexhill’s longest established businesses, Hampton’s, the menswear shop in St Leonard’s Road, has put up signs to announce a closing down sale.

But the shop, which came into being in 1904, is not a victim of the recession and continues to trade healthily. Rather, the reason for the signs is more simply explained.

Karen High, who has run the business with her husband Andrew over recent decades, said: “We are selling off stock because we have decided to retire.”

Mrs High said the decision for them to step down had not been taken lightly, and they were grateful to the many customers who had supported them over the years.

She added: “People have been particularly kind since we let it be known we would be going, and there’s not a night now when I don’t go home in tears at the many compliments and expressions of goodwill we have been receiving.”

No date has yet been set for the couple’s final day in business, and the shop will continue to trade for the time being - albeit with many bargains on offer.