A FURNITURE retailer has announced the 'extremely difficult decision' to close ahead of retirement plans. 

John Young Furnishings, a staple in Keswick's Town Centre, will continue business as usual until all display stock is sold in an upcoming retirement sale. 

Owner John Young’s decision to retire is a personal one, leaving him time to pursue other interests alongside his partner Clare. 

"It was an extremely difficult decision to make.

"My family has had a shop in Keswick for over a century and it is even harder when you have such a great team working with you in the business.

"I don’t have any heirs and I’d like to spend more time on other interests with my partner Clare, and now feels like the right time to close.

"I can assure all customers that their orders will be fulfilled, and we are launching a retirement sale to sell all the stock we currently hold on the shop floor," he said. 

The shop will remain closed on February 12 and 13 in preparation for the retirement sale that will get underway on February 14.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Liz Weightman our shop manager and to our sales consultants Ian Bird and Adele McEwan.

"Liz has been an integral part of the business since she joined in 2002, developing our large showroom and a portfolio of customers who really trust her knowledge of interiors.

"Ian and Adele built up a huge amount of industry knowledge in their time here and have a great relationship with our customers.

“I am proud to have run a successful shop which has attracted customers from all over the UK and abroad.

"The staff and I will miss them, many of whom have become friends over the years," he said. 

For more information visit www.johnyoungkeswick.co.uk or to speak to the team, contact 017687 74848.