Former 157-year-old menswear shop building sold

The building where a men's clothing store had traded for 157 years has been sold.

Warwicks of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire closed on 28 June 2025 - it first opened in 1868.

Neil Warwick, the former fifth-generation owner of the independent store, previously said none of his family wanted to take over the business, which he claimed was the oldest retailer in the county and had remained "profitable".

The building was put up for sale with a guide price of £895,000 by Prop-Search. The estate agent said it was bought by a "private investor/developer".

The shop was opened by Warwick's great, great, grandfather Samuel Warwick and then passed down to five other Warwicks - Harry, Cyril, his father Alan, Neil and his brother David.

Prop-Search, which is based in the town, confirmed the freehold sale of the retail and residential property had been completed.

Samantha Jones, an associate director, said: "This is an important transaction for Wellingborough, both in terms of scale and location.

"The property is a key town centre asset, and we are pleased to have facilitated its sale to a private investor/developer.

"At a time when many high streets are evolving, this deal underlines continuing investor confidence in well-positioned town centre retail and mixed-use opportunities."

The shop used to make its own suits but stopped in the 1960s when ready-made wear became popular.

It also sold school uniforms until 15 years ago, when online retail really took off.

Warwick said he was "absolutely delighted" the building had a new owner, but he was also sad the business had not been sold as a going concern.

"It's another end of a journey; I look forward to driving past and seeing something new there," he added.

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