Gerrys of Wimbledon is set to close its doors after more than 55 years of serving the community.

Gerry and Gwen Doughty opened the shop in 1960 and retired seven years ago. Their son Clive joined in 1973, where he has remained ever since.

Wimbledon Times:

Clive, left, with his wife Sue in front, Gwen and grand-daughter Alice with members of staff. 

His wife Sue then joined the business 14 years later but it is with great sadness the couple have decided to retire and the business will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, February 27.

It started off as a tiny shop in The Broadway and since expanded along with an excellent team of staff to the fishing superstore it has become today.

Owner Clive Doughty, 59, admitted it will be sad to see the store closing after being a part of the business for 42 years.

He said: “My wife has been a little teary and I think on the day when we eventually close the doors it will be a little sad.

“My parents are also quite sad but they are in their eighties so we have to do what is right for us.”

Clive’s wife Sue, 59, joined the business 28 years ago and they both often work six to seven days a week.

They both felt it was time to slow down a bit and their daughter Alice, who currently works with them, did not want to take over the business.

Mr Doughty added: “I will not be feeling that guilty for having time off and we don’t have any plans for the future at the moment.

“I came into the business when I finished school. I was a mechanic for two years but I came in after that, so it will be a bit of 'me time'.”

Clive’s father Gerry grew up in Wimbledon and the family decided to open up a business where he grew up as a young boy.

It was Clive’s mother Gwen who first started the business while Gerry continued to work as a builder.

However, as the business began to thrive, Gerry had to put down his tools and help his wife run the shop.

Mr Doughty added since he became a part of the family business the borough has changed dramatically with more and more buildings appearing.

He said: “The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development building used to be a big cinema and at one point directly opposite that was the Odeon and before then opposite from that it was the ABC. It has changed so much over the years.”

The main source of their business comes from fishing, but over the years their customers have acquired a love for darts with the gun selling just being a part of their monthly sales.

“Darts have been quite big for us in the last 20 years, my dad put 20 dart boards in the window and it has went on from there,” Mr Doughty said.

“Back in our hay day I would say we had more than 400 hundred different darts on show, it was truly incredible.”

The family has acquired loyal staff members along the way who have been completely understanding as to why they want to close down.

It will remain a complete family affair in the last two weeks with mum, dad, son and daughter working behind the counter together.

Many customers who have shopped at the store will be sad to see it go as they have shopped there for a number of years.

It was revealed by Mrs Doughty a furniture business will be renting the property from March.