A historic department store has closed its doors for the last time after 127 years of trading.

Ilford’s much-loved Bodgers brought the curtain down on its long association with the town when the final sale was rung up on the tills today (Wednesday, February,28) at 5pm.

Bodgers, part of the Morleys Stores Group which has eight other stores across London and the South East, had been a feature of the town since 1890, since 1890.

David Hordle, managing director of the Morleys, said: “It has been an emotional time for everyone concerned in a remarkable business which has been part and parcel of life in Ilford for so long.

“Our first and abiding concern has been for our faithful and hard-working staff for whom this has been a difficult time and to whom we have offered every support.

“Morleys has been very aware of the affection in which Bodgers has been held in the community and the reaction of our loyal customers during the period of the final closing down sale has only served to confirm that special relationship.”

Redbridge resident Maureen Longman, 79, was shopping in the store on the last day of trading.

She said: “Bodgers has just always been here.

“Even before we moved here we would come here to look at everything.

“It will be sorely missed.”

Dalba Kaur, 59, also visited the shop on its last day and said: “I will miss Bodgers.

“I buy lots of things from here and it has always been great for homeware.”

Monica Mann, of Ilford, was over the moon with her purchases in the sale.

“I bought some Converse trainers – that were originally £85 – for £13.50,” she said.

“And Dune shoes that were £65 for £16.20.

“It was a bargain and a half.”

Morleys hopes to release a statement on the future of the site soon and said it has been considering a number of options.

Mr Hordle said he had heard “buzz” from members of the public about Bodgers turning into flats but at this stage could neither confirm or deny the rumours and his focus was on his staff on the last day of opening.