Lilliput’s, a cherished independent department store in Bridport, is closing its doors after four decades of serving the community. The store, which first opened in 1984 in a Grade II listed building, will shut permanently by the end of March as owner Lillie Foster retires.
Loved by locals and praised by both regional and national press, the closure marks the end of an era. The historic building has been sold and will be taken over by Weldmar Hospicecare, a well-regarded local charity. Mrs Foster expressed her satisfaction at passing the store on to such a worthy cause, saying, “We are delighted that we are handing it over to such a well-loved charity.”
Reflecting on the store’s legacy, she added, “We have made many friends and are incredibly grateful for all the support from our customers over the last 40 years. Our dedicated staff, many of whom have worked here for over 20 years, are naturally saddened by the closure. We thank them and all our customers from the bottom of our hearts.”
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The closure of Lilliput’s comes amid a difficult year for UK retail. In 2024 alone, approximately 13,500 shops have permanently closed, averaging 37 store closures per day. Of these, over half—7,537—closed following insolvency proceedings, while 5,942 shut due to rationalisation efforts, often linked to wider cost-cutting strategies by both large and independent retailers.
Alex Probyn, president of Altus, commented on the challenging environment, highlighting the burden of business rates on high street retailers. “Despite Labour’s manifesto acknowledging the undue burden business rates impose, this burden is expected to increase significantly,” he said.
The Labour Party’s general election manifesto has pledged to reform the business rates system in England to create a fairer structure that levels the playing field between high street shops and online retailers. This new system aims to encourage investment, address empty properties, and support entrepreneurship.
As Lilliput’s closes its doors, it stands as a poignant example of the ongoing challenges faced by UK high streets and independent retailers.