From Selfridges to Liberty, London is a haven for huge department stores you can while away an afternoon in.
But sadly, a South London staple has revealed it will be saying goodbye to customers as it closes its doors for good.
Morleys Tooting released a statement on social media, announcing it will be closing more than 100 years after it first appeared on the high street in the early 1900s.
‘We have some important news to share,’ said two staff members in a video. ‘Morleys of Tooting shall be closing its doors permanently.
‘Whilst this wasn’t an easy decision, we felt it was important to let you, our loyal customers first.’
There will be closing down sale beginning on January 9, with Morleys adding: ‘Pop in, say hi, and let’s make the most of time we have together.’
Shoppers were left heartbroken by the news, and were quick to share their thoughts.
‘Gutted’ wrote Nick Heath on Instagram. ‘Lovely shop to have had in the heart of Tooting for so long.’
Others agreed. ‘This is such a shame,’ said Nick Hamilton. ‘The staff were always delightful and I’ll miss having it on my doorstep.’
And Mary Weigel wrote: ‘Another Tooting institution lost forever! It is a disgrace.’
Others called Morleys ‘a true Tooting staple’ and a ‘legend’, noting how long the store had been serving customers for. Morleys originally opened as Smith Bros.
‘No way, that’s been a life saver so many times, even from its Smith Bros days,’ wrote Hinna Chaudhry. And Tahazeen Eram said: ‘Terrible news. I grew up with this store when it was Smith Bros back in the day.’
Morleys started as a small store on Mitcham Road in the early 1900s, then run by shopkeeper Mr Smith, before being sold to Morleys in 1955.
It has now been bought by a developer, after being put up for sale in October 2024.
Planning permission has been granted, allowing the property to be partially demolished, with usages for both residential and commercial permitted.
There are eight stores all together in the Morleys Group: Morleys Brixton, Morleys Bexleyheath, Morleys Tooting, Elys Wimbledon, Camp Hopson, Pearsons Enfield, Roomes Fashion & Home and James Selbys.
