THE iconic Kerfoots store in Porthmadog will go under the hammer next month, after liquidators were called in.

The town centre store has been listed for auction with a guide price of £300,000, just weeks after closing, and will go to auction on 18 October in Manchester.

Liquidators were called into the business last month after more than 140 years, leading to over 20 job losses.

The shop – thought to be the oldest department store in north Wales – had sold clothing, food and homeware and included a café and other smaller businesses, and was renowned for the quality of its products for many years.

Pugh and Company hope to sell the site at the AJ Bell Stadium, home of football team Salford City.

Robert Rutherford, liquidator with Parkin S Booth, said he believed there would be interest in the shop.

The news of the closure shocked the town, after the store had been at the heart of the High Street since 1874.

Kerfoots 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 following its decision to cease trading.

“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 (ie 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.”

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