Dewsbury bids farewell to town after 40 years
FINAL CHAPTER Karen Lawson from the Candyman which is leaving Dewsbury this weekend after four decades in the town. (D524E309)
A town centre trader is closing up shop after more than 40 years in Dewsbury.
Tomorrow staff at tobacconist and confectioner the Candyman will serve their last customers from their premises in Dewsbury Arcade.
The busy shop, owned by 81-year-old Dennis Fisher, has had no shortage of support from its loyal customers.
But when the lease in Dews came up for renewal, he decided he was too old to sign another.
His daughter, Karen Lawson, has worked for the business for 36 years.
“The saddest part really is saying goodbye to the customers,” she said. “It’s the end of an era really.”
The family used to have a second shop in the Princess of Wales Precinct called Fishers, which held the Thornton’s franchise for 25 years.
It also had stores in Slaithwaite and Morley at one time, but only the Candyman in Batley arcade is still going.
Mrs Lawson said a buyer was initially found for the Dewsbury Arcade business, but the sale fell through because of issues with the lease.
“It would have been great if it could have continue with the same name and staff,” she said. “We intended to sell but we didn’t and here we are.
“We feel very emotional really about losing our customers. They’ve become friends, and we’d just like to thank them for all their support and loyalty over the years.”
After its final day of trading tomorrow, the store will be stripped out for ready any new tenant who wants it.
There are currently six other empty units in the arcade which links Market Place and Corporation Street.
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Weather for Dewsbury
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
