Landmark clothes shop to close

Parsons & Parsons has been in business for almost a century

One of Belfast's oldest tailors and formal hire shops is to close before Christmas with the loss of 20 jobs.

Parsons & Parsons, situated on Wellington Place in the city centre, went into liquidation this week.

Richard Parsons blames the 98-year-old store's demise on competition from cross-channel high street stores.

"During the bombs and bullets of the 70s and 80s they were nowhere to be seen. But as soon as the white flags went up, they were here," he said.

"The closure of shops like Parsons & Parson means Belfast city centre will soon look just the same as any other."

Although Mr Parsons can no longer trade under the name Parsons & Parsons, he plans to operates a formal hire and bespoke tailoring business at alternative premises.

The grandson of the shop's founder says that any customers who have hired an item of clothing will be dealt with by this new venture.