The UK high street has suffered another massive blow, as a 71-year-old iconic handbag retailer has closed several of its stores. Lakeland Leather, which first opened in Cumbria in 1955, has closed four of its locations across the country.

The beloved chain started as just a small gift shop and gradually evolved into one of Britain’s best-known leather and sheepskin retailers. In recent years, the chain has fallen victim to rising costs, online shopping and reduced high street footfall. As a result, the business shut down stores in Carlisle and Gretna earlier this year.

On May 7, their Southport location shut its doors. Now, Lakeland Leather’s Kendal store at 24 Stricklandgate has shut for good after 43 years. The retailer first announced its closure in February.

A notice titled “A Heartfelt Farewell to Kendal” has been placed in the shop window, allowing disappointed customers to read it as they pass by.

The notice reads: “With a heavy heart, we are closing our Kendal store due to the ongoing economic challenges faced by small specialist retail groups such as ours.

“We want to thank you, our wonderful customers, for your loyalty, friendship and support over the past 43 years – Kendal has truly meant the world to us.

“Whilst it’s time for us to leave Kendal, you can shop with us online at lakelandleather.co.uk or visit one of our other retail and concessions stores.”

The York branch on Stonegate will also pull down the shutters for good later this month, with closing-down sales running since late April.

Lakeland Leather says it is “a sensitive time” for staff, adding it is “committed to supporting them through this process”.

Despite its closures, the business says it remains profitable. A source at Felldale Retail, which operates stores for Lakeland Leather, said: “Lakeland Leather remains profitable and grew sales by over 7% last year.

“Digital sales are now the larger part of the group, with a third successive year of sales growth over 20%.”

The business was founded in 1955 by Jack Standring, the business became particularly popular in the 1980s and 1990s for its leather jackets, handbags, and travel items.

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