Store is to close after 150 years

Rossiters opened 150 years ago

One of Devon's oldest department stores is closing down with the loss of almost 100 jobs.

Rossiters in Paignton, which was founded by two sisters, celebrated its 150th anniversary earlier this year.

But the company is blaming the current economic climate for its decision to close down.

The store will shut for good on 31 January 2009 and the premises will be placed on the market for sale with redevelopment as an option.

The store employs 29 full-time and 62 part-time staff.

The company will be holding formal discussions with all staff and says it will give them "every assistance" in helping them find alternative employment.

Nigel Rossiter, the executive chairman, said: "They are a very special group of well trained and friendly people, many of whom I have been fortunate enough to work with for many years.

"They would be a credit to any organisation.

"The main priority over the coming weeks must be to ensure that we do all we can to lessen the impact of potential closure and do all we can to make sure that employees secure new jobs."