One of Shanklin's most loved and well-established businesses — Toymaster and the Sports Shop — has announced it is closing after nearly seven decades.
It marks the end of an era, as the family-run business has been trading on Regent Street since around 1953.
The news will come as a blow to parents who use the shop to source school uniforms.
Current owner Nigel Young told the County Press stock is being moved to its Ryde branch on Union Street.
He said, since Covid hit the country, supplies have been running low and it is no longer practical to continue trading from its Shanklin premises.
Online websites have also played their part, he said.
Last year, plans had been put forward to shrink the size of the shop as space was no longer required due to changes in the business.
"It has been hard to keep going at the moment", Mr Young told the County Press.
In a message to customers, he said: "We are upset but hope you appreciate how things are at the moment.
"We will continue trading through our Ryde shop and will not close completely.
"I thank you all for calling in over the years."
The business has always been a family affair.
The Sports Shop, which was based over the road from the current premises, was opened by Mr Young's parents Geoff and Elsie in 1953.
It began selling toys and models around a decade later and was vacated a few years ago.
The current Toymaster Shanklin branch was opened by Nigel Young in 1999.
Like his father before him, Mr Young will soon be stepping aside to allow his son, Steven to take over the reins.
As for the future of the Regent Street building, it is expected to be turned into another retail outlet.
New tenants could take over as soon as June, subject to legalities, Mr Young said.
The Shanklin branch is set to close this coming Saturday (29).
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