Historic Coventry shop to close after 100 years as owner says 'retail is also not as nice as it used to be'

A historic Coventry shop is set to close its doors permanently after more than a century in business.

Tobacconist and lighter repair specialist Salts was founded by Harry Salt in Parkside, Coventry, in 1916 before relocating to New Union Street in 1961.It was run by the Salt family until it was taken over by Mark Kendall in 2019.

Mark, a Coventry local, said he was "really sad" about the impending closure on March 29. He revealed that the decision to shut down was reluctantly made due to several factors.

In an interview with Coventry Live, 49 year old Mark said: "Footfall never came back after COVID. Retail is also not as nice as it used to be because there are the issues of break-ins and theft and all those things that happen in city centres to retailers."

He also highlighted the challenges posed by the illegal tobacco trade in the city. He said: "Coventry is rife with illegal stuff so the people selling it legally cannot compete."

Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Mark said he had relished his time at Salts. He said: "I have loved it! I always wanted to run a shop, so I have really enjoyed it."

Customers have been sharing their 'fond memories' of visiting Salts. Many nostalgically recalled trips to the city centre with their grandparents many years ago, Mark said.

He added: "It is quite generational, so a lot of people have fond memories of relatives, they used to come here as children with their grandparents, so obviously it holds a lot of sentiment... and a lot of granddaughters and grandsons just remembering when times were more simple, and you remember stuff about your childhood and your now-departed relatives, so a lot of moments for people."

Mark added: "We have had a blast! Thanks for all of the support we have had from our regulars, they will be missed."