A MUCH-LOVED independent department store has shut its doors after 144 years of trading.

Residents in Porthmadog were shocked to see their historic Porthmadog store Kerfoots close yesterday, with 22 members of staff made redundant with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for the store confirmed it had “ceased to trade”.

The shop sold clothing, food and homeware and also included a cafe as well as several other smaller businesses.

The news will come as a blow to the Dwyfor community after more than a dozen jobs were lost on Monday when VENU in Pwllheli announced its immediate closure.

Robert Rutherford, liquidator with Parkin S Booth, has announced a creditors meeting will now take place next month.

He said the store was an “institution in the town” and he believed there would be interest in the shop.

The store, which opened in 1874, blamed high business costs and a decrease in footfall for its demise.

“As of Friday, 31 August, after 144 years on this site, Kerfoots of Porthmadog will cease trading,” read a notice posted on its door.

“This is due to a number of combined factors, namely a total decline in High Street footfall, changes in shopping habits by consumers, extreme overheads (i.e rates), and serious competition from online businesses.

“Unfortunately, the business is no longer viable or sustainable, like many other well known high street names of recent times, we are no different and this decline and trend continues.

“The business and all the staff would like to take this opportunity to thank its loyal customers over the years for their custom and support.”