“It’s very sad but the building is just not suitable for furniture retailing in 2021.” 

The words of David Scott, Director of Sturtons & Tappers, after the announcement that the company’s Wimborne store is to close. 

Three of the nine staff will transfer to Sturtons & Tappers’ Winton store. 

The remaining six employees will be retiring, become self-employed or have found other jobs.

A two-day private sale of £785,000 worth of stock to customers on its database began on Wednesday, June 23, with a public sale from Friday. 

In a letter to customers, Mr Scott says: “We must clear the entire stock without delay and so will hold the greatest furniture and homeware sale ever seen in the area.”  

A planning application to develop the East Street site into three retail units, eight flats and seven residential properties was granted in March 2020. 

Mr Scott said: “The Wimborne building is quirky, with many steps, levels and small rooms. 

“It is almost impossible to bring up to 2021 standards of disabled access with installation of a lift to the upper floors, heating, displays etc that are essential for both customers and staff.  

“All current outstanding orders, contracts, agreements and service matters will be honoured, completed and delivered as agreed.  

“These, together with all manufacturers guarantees and warranties, will be administered from the Winton branch.   

“Customers need not take any action.  

“Our warehouse and delivery service will continue as normal. 

“We will contact customers to arrange delivery of goods when they come into stock, as we will for fitting of carpets, wardrobes etc.” 

Winton-based Sturtons acquired Tappers in 1987. 

The furniture store, owned by Bill Tapper, is believed to have started trading in 1935. 

Sturtons & Tappers celebrated its centenary in 2006. 

The independent family business is owned by David Scott and his wife, Pauline. 

It will employ 23 people after the closure of the Wimborne site. 

Mr Scott said the Wimborne store had continued to trade strongly in spite of the pandemic that had played havoc for the past 15 months.

However, the building was no longer fit for furniture and furnishing retailing in 2021.

He added: “Time has moved on but the building hasn’t been able to move with it.” 

Sturtons & Tappers has to vacate the building by the middle of November but Mr Scott said he expected the store to finally close well before that date.