CUSTOMERS of Gabriel’s say there will be nowhere else to buy affordable clothes once the shop shuts. A closing-down sale began yesterday and it is expected the family business will not reopen after Christmas.

Betty Brentall, who has been a loyal customer for years, said there was no choice left for older people in Guernsey.

‘A lot of islanders rely on Gabriel’s, especially more mature people who prefer those kinds of styles,’ she said.

‘They like it because they can depend on it and more importantly the prices are reasonable.

‘It’s a great shame. In fact it’s a disaster. I think Ben Gabriel would be turning in his grave.’

The firm announced last month that it was closing after 61 years of serving the island.

Francis Girard, 85, said the closure didn’t bode well for the future of the island. ‘It is a very nice shop for the working people of Guernsey with friendly staff and I will be sad to see it go,’ he said.

‘People these days tend to buy more things off the television or online, but many older people don’t have computers so what are they going to do?’

Most of the items are at half-price as the shop bids to get rid of its stock.

Director Martin Bridle said it was the excellent customer service that most people would miss once it shuts.

‘I think that’s something which is missing in retail today and people will notice it more when we close down,’ he said.

‘There are also things such as school uniforms and niche items such as single handkerchiefs and slippers year round that people might struggle to find elsewhere.

‘The fact that most of our staff have already found employment in a variety of industries is a testament to how good they were at their jobs.’

Some of the stock left following the sale will be donated to charity after Christmas.

Mr Bridle said the public had responded well so far.

‘Sales tend to not create the frenzy they used to because there are always so many, but ours is going down very well,’ he said.

‘Underwear is proving very popular and a few people are already buying their Christmas presents.’

Mr Bridle added that the closure signalled a change in the nature of retail in Guernsey.

‘I think shops will exist for a shorter period of time in the future and the age of independently owned businesses is probably coming to an end,’ he said.

‘Trade is more difficult than it used to be, but that’s a fact of life and you have to adapt. There is no easy way to earn a living these days whatever business you are in. We made a conscious decision not to change and be like everyone else, but we also knew that we could carry on only for a certain amount of time.’