A HABERDASHERY shop is closing after more than 40 years in the city centre.

Fabric store Closs and Hamblin is moving out of its shop in Western Road, Brighton.

The family-owned chain also has seven other shops in the South East.

The shop moved into its current premises in the late 1970s having previously been based in Churchill Square.

The sign read "store closing for relocation. All stock must go!"

Tributes have poured in online for the store.

Cheryl Phillips said “Brighton as we knew it is fast disappearing”.

Vee Walton said: “So sad, love this store. With Fabricland gone too, it is very hard to purchase fabrics, wool and sewing bits locally.

“Please stop buying online and support your high street before you lose it.”

Caroline Lamb said: “Such a shame. I loved the haberdashery department and always a good place to get coffee and cake away from the crowds.”

The Argus: Western Road in 1980s. Picture by Andy Garth Western Road in 1980s. Picture by Andy Garth (Image: Newsquest)

John Wells said: “Another little piece of my childhood going. I used to go to the cafe there with my mum in the 80s and 90s, long before the arrival of the popular coffee bars we go to now.”

Jennifer Simmonds said: “Oh no one of the best shops in Brighton for so many things. Curtains, curtain materials, bedding, towels cards, gifts and much more as well as one of the few decent cafes in this part of town.

“A real tragedy. Worst closure since Hanningtons and Vokins.”

Karen Jackson said: “We are in a different era now, it won't be long before people are no longer able to see products in the flesh before they buy them.”

Colleen Dempsey added: “I spent many wonderful Saturdays as a little girl in the cafe with my Mummy, Nanny, Aunty n sister. I know it’s only a shop but it holds some very fond memories.”

One person said they have noticed a shift away from shops in Western Road to the North Laine area.

The business was founded in 1933 by Cyril Hamblin and Harold Closs in London.

It has shops in Canterbury, Chichester, Eastbourne, Guildford, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Winchester.

The company did not confirm where it was relocating to when asked.