ONE of Hove’s oldest family-owned businesses will close its doors in October after 64 years of trading.

Stanley Bloch opened Stanlee Leather and Travel Goods in 1953.

His son Russell Bloch took over the running of the Church Road shop from his father, who started the business when he left school.

Stanley’s wife Frances, who turns 84 in September, still helps her son to run the shop and has many fond memories.

She said: “My husband opened the shop before we were married and Russell my son went into the business after he left school.

“It has so many memories for me… those were the days.”

Frances and Stanley lived in a flat over the shop after they were married and Russell was born there.

He said: “I was born above the shop in 1951 and I have been there 39 years.”

The Argus covered the shop’s 50th anniversary in April of 2003 and on that occasion founder Stanley Bloch said: “I can still remember the first day the shop opened.

“It was an exciting time and I was very nervous.

“I believe the success of this shop is down to the service we give to all our customers along with the choice of products and our knowledge of the business.”

Mrs Bloch recalls several celebrity customers over the decades including entertainers and tennis players.

“Laurence Olivier came in and I remember joking to friends, ‘He doesn’t look so great without makeup on’.

“Olivier’s son was at St Christopher’s.

“There have been really charming people over the years. They are friends rather than customers and we had seating in front of the counter where we could sit down and chat.”

The store also sells handbags, school bags, leather goods, small purses, computer bags, umbrellas and even hip flasks.

Russell said thwere were several several reasons for the closure.

He said: “Independent retailers are things of the past. Because of the times, the internet, and competition, things are harder these days for smaller retailers.”

Mrs. Bloch said: “It’s the end of an era – people are coming in and saying how sorry they are to see us go.

“My son will probably take it easy for a while and then figure out something else to do.”

Russell said: “Thank you to all our regular and loyal customers over the years for your business and your friendship.”