A 199-YEAR-OLD business has thanked its "loyal" staff and customers after announcing its closure.

Carters Snow and Outdoor Sports Specialist on Caversham Road, Reading, thanked the "loyal support of the staff and customers over the years" after announcing they would be closing on December 29.

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Rod Campbell, Carters' operations manager, has worked at the shop since he was a student in 1980.

He explained the shop opened in Thatcham in 1820 making rope for ships and agriculture before moving to Castle Street, Reading and finally to Caversham Road in 1962.

Reading Chronicle:

He revealed Brexit uncertainty and internet show rooming were the main reasons for the store's closure.

Internet show rooming involves customers trying on items in the shop for size before ordering them online from a different shop.

This has resulted in the business not making enough profits to cover increasing costs.

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The store is holding a closing down sale with significantly reduced prices on offer to customers.

Mr Campbell said he would "love to see people taking advantage" of this sale.

He added: "Come and get a bargain while we are still here!"

The store will continue to trade until Sunday, December 29, at 3pm.