Thousands of shoppers were queuing round the block for the Bodgers closing down sale today (November 14).
In a somewhat bittersweet scene, which could have been taken during the shop’s heyday, staff were on hand to oversee the 7,000-plus strong crowd.
The beloved store, in Station Road, Ilford, is getting rid of stock to the value of £5million after it announced it will be closing in February 2018.
The decision will bring the curtain down on 125 years of trading at one of London’s oldest department stores.
Rosalind Perrett, 53, saw the crowds on her lunch break.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it, there were lots of people there.
“There was even a couple of community police to keep everything in order.
“I’m sad to see Bodgers go, it feels like the last part of old Ilford – you don’t get shops like that anymore.”
The shop’s owner, The Morleys Stores Group, said it reached the “painful decision” to close the shop after an extensive 30 day consultation with 70 staff members.
It hopes to redeploy a number of staff to other shops owned by the company.
Morley Stores Group managing director, David Hordle, was at Bodgers for the start of the closing down sale and said the turnout shows how much the store means to residents.
“It’s been a very strong start today, and this is only day one of the sale which will go on until February 28 next year so there are still plenty of bargains to be had,” he said.
“We were aware there was a huge amount of affection for Bodgers locally, and the turnout today confirms that.
“It was always a painful decision to close this historic store but I am sure it will live long in people’s memories and we would like to thank our customers for their valuable support over the years.
“In the meantime we will continue to work with our wonderful team here in Ilford to find the best possible option for each and every one of them, whether that is helping them to redeploy to another of our stores or in finding alternative employment.”
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