The directors of T. P. Hughes, Tenby, have announced that they have accepted an offer from M and Co, a national department store group, to lease their block of property fronting on High Street, Frog Street and St. Nicholas Lane, including the extensions into Bank Lane.

It is intended that carpets, beds, furniture and home furnishings will maintain their traditions of quality, service and value from the current carpet shop location in Upper Frog Street, serviced by their substantial warehouse in the Salterns Industrial Estate.

David Hughes, T.P.’s chairman, said that it was terribly sad to be giving up clothing and accessories after 114 years of trading in Tenby. He said the need for change had become inevitable in the face of rising occupancy costs, wage increases, on-line or out of town competition and the burden of ever-increasing regulations.

“Perhaps a national company with qualified head office staff and full internet capability would be better equipped to cope with these challenges,” he said.

In a press release issued by T. P. Hughes, it stated: “Staff issues resulting from these changes are being addressed. We are doing our best to accommodate everyone. There will be some members of staff who will be happy to go and others may find employment with the new retailer.”

M and Co have almost 300 stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and have chosen Tenby to commence their expansion into Wales. Their ranges include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories.

• As reported in last week’s issue, The Great £480,000 stock sellout begins on Friday.