Sneezums Bury St Edmunds announces closure this year

Sneezums, which was launched by the Sneezum family in Ipswich in 1874 and is now situated on the Cornhill in Central Walk, Bury St Edmunds, will close its doors for the last time later this year after 150 years in business. 

The decision comes as partners Elizabeth Sneezum and Yvonne Scotford-Sneezum prepare to retire.

The shop will close on September 28, with the online business continuing to operate for up to three months.

Current fourth generation Sneezum owners, Elizabeth and Yvonne, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of our family business. Unfortunately, we do not have anyone in the family to continue our legacy.

"Our decision was not made lightly and after much consideration and reflection we have decided to retire to spend precious quality time with our families and pursue other interests."

The Sneezums business, originally a jeweller, pawnbroker, and clothier, was launched by Elizabeth and Yvonne’s great-grandfather, Henry Sneezum in 1874 in Fore Street, Ipswich. 

Elizabeth and Yvonne’s great-grandfather, Henry Sneezum (Image: Sneezums)

In the early 1900s under second generation owners, Henry and Ray Sneezum, 14-20 Fore Street became H&R Sneezum and expanded its services to include gold and silver refining, bullion dealing and gunsmithing, as well as selling jewellery, photographic equipment, fireworks, tools, clothing and sports and musical equipment.

During the war years the business smelted gold and sent daily deliveries of the smelt to London by train.

The business eventually expanded to a total of ten shops with locations in Ipswich, Rayleigh, Thetford and Bury St Edmunds involving third-generation family partners Neville, Derrick, and Aubrey, Elizabeth and Yvonne’s father.

The Walter Sneezum shop at 5 St John’s Street Bury St Edmunds, originally owned by Walter Sneezum from around 1890, was taken over by second generation owner Henry Sneezum (grandfather to Elizabeth and Yvonne) and Richard and Ray Sneezum, Henry’s brothers, in 1946.

The Sneezums business on the Cornhill in Bury St Edmunds was bought in 1951, originally trading as W J Cook & Son, as a picture frame maker, china, glass and fancy goods merchant.

It grew during the 1950’s to also become a photographic retailer.

The building on Cornhill was redeveloped in the mid to late 1960’s and was reopened in 1971 by Clive Dunn from Dad’s Army.

On reopening, Sneezums expanded to sell jewellery, watches, gifts, binoculars, telescopes, televisions, hi-fi, telephones and a record department.

Elizabeth and Yvonne said the company's 150 years of trading has been 'a privilege' and thanked their dedicated staff, of which they currently have seven, and customers for their loyalty.

They said: "For generations, we have had the privilege of being at the heart of the Bury St Edmund’s community.

“Over the 150 years of trading, our business has evolved to be more than a commercial venture; it has become a cornerstone of our family’s heritage and a cherished part of our lives."

“Our dedicated staff and customers have played a pivotal role in our journey. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our exceptionally loyal staff, many of whom have dedicated over 20 years to Sneezums and some who have spent their entire working lives with us, including our longest-serving current member with 48 years."

They added: “It will be a very sad and emotional day when we bid farewell to our family business. 

"We take pride in knowing we are one of the oldest remaining independent family businesses in Bury St Edmunds.

"As we embark on our final months of trading, we treasure the countless memories that have enriched our journey."