Carlisle's Chapmans shop to shut after 165 years

Last updated at 14:48, Thursday, 08 March 2012

A landmark furniture business in Carlisle is to close after 165 years.

Have your say

What a absolute shame. Our towns and citys are becoming increasingly saturated with bog standard chain stores and charity shops. We are losing our unique local identity which is enhanced by local family run businesses offering high quality goods and great customer service. Perhaps Carlisle city centre chiefs should consider lease cost reductions to encourage local businesses to stay, in what are already financially difficult times for us all.

Posted by Claire on 7 April 2012 at 06:42

I will be very sorry to see Chapman close. Their furniture is high quality and, yes, made by good British craftsmen. I agree that we are inundated with shoddy foreign imports - everything from clothing to bedding seems to come from thousands of miles away. My Chapmans dining table, chairs and corner cupboard will go on for ever.

Posted by Patricia Howe on 18 March 2012 at 13:21

This will have impacts far beyond Carlisle and cost far more than 20 jobs. Chapmans are known throughout the UK for supplying top quality furniture made by British Craftsmen. Those manufacturers will struggle to find another outlet while the market remains saturated with shoddy foreign imports sold on misleading internet sites.

Posted by Bernard Spears on 12 March 2012 at 22:58

Another great shop closing down-this shop raised standards in the town and gave those not so well off something to aspire to!

Posted by Inglip on 10 March 2012 at 15:13

Have always aspired to shop in this store but never did! Sad to see a quality shop disapear, and hope it is not replaced by another replica store.

Posted by carol on 10 March 2012 at 12:31

Very sad to see the demise of a quality store served by quality staff. but this is now the ideal opportunity for Tesco (next door in the same block) to expand and offer a full range to town centre shoppers. Far preferable to the crackpot scheme to re-locate to the Lower Viaduct.

Posted by Patrick Tracey on 10 March 2012 at 12:00

As a recent Chapmans customer I can say that I am saddened by it's closing. A fine building with great staff and lovely items. You can't beat the oldies!

Posted by YouOnlyGetWhatYouPayFor on 10 March 2012 at 08:50

amazing shopping experience from the second you enter the store. The products and staff were second to none. The fact of the matter is you only get what you pay for. Good luck and best wishes to the whole team, will sadly be missed.

Posted by Regular shopper on 9 March 2012 at 19:42

Shops close and people on here blame the economy, pubs close and it's all the fault of the smoking ban. I've always found that amusing for some reason ;-)

I've only been in this particular shop a couple of times, quality products yes, but more expensive than I could buy from other sources.

Posted by Me on 9 March 2012 at 15:04

will be sad to see it go,you never seen many if any jobs advertised. the staff must have loved there jobs, hardly anyone left there.Good luck guys.

Posted by dellboy on 9 March 2012 at 14:54