A family-run shop with a 150-year history in Suffolk is set to close its doors for the final time this weekend.

Sneezums was launched by the Sneezum family in Ipswich in 1874 and its store, now situated on the Cornhill in Bury St Edmunds, will close on Saturday, September 28. 

The decision comes as current fourth-generation owners Elizabeth Sneezum and Yvonne Scotford-Sneezum prepare to retire.

Announcing the closure, the pair 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.

It 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 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 1960s and was reopened in 1971. At this time it expanded to sell jewellery, watches, gifts, binoculars, telescopes, televisions, hi-fi, telephones and a record department.

Following the store closure, the online business will continue for about three months. 

In June, owners said: "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."