Another familiar High Street name is closing its doors - possibly to make way for yet another Starbucks.
Lesters furniture store has been a presence on George Street, Hove, since 1946 but is expected to shut by the end of the month.
It is the second business with a strong presence in Hove to close recently, following toy shop Gamley's decision to shut its store in Church Road.
Manager Gary Lester, who has worked in George Street for 47 years after the shop was opened by his father Eric and uncle Maurice, blamed increased competition from online shopping, the high cost of business rates and the slowdown in the housing market.
One of his sons, Warren, said the family plan to lease the store and confirmed that controversial multinational coffee giant Starbucks had expressed an interest.
Last month, the chain caused uproar by opening an outlet in Kemp Town, Brighton, despite planning permission being denied by Brighton and Hove City Council.
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