The owners say they have taken the decision with a heavy heart and are now urging shoppers to support small independent stores or face losing them.
Kentonline.co.uk wrote how Dumbrells was first opened by Roy Dumbrell in St Dunstan's in 1947. He grew the business and moved to Lower Bridge Street where he was joined by his son, David. The shop then moved to Military Road before finally setting up in Palace Street seven years ago where it has been run by David's nieces Anna and Jo, following his retirement.
Anna said: "We've loved being here and our loyal customers, many of them elderly who often simply enjoy popping in for a chat. But the fact is that trade has been dipping in the last year and it has come to the point that it is not viable to continue. The supermarkets and people's one-stop shop lifestyles have played a part and there is a misconception that shops like ours are more expensive, which they are not.”
"Our produce is fresh straight from the growers and we don't have any packaging which is how it should be. The small traders also fulfil a vital social role in their communities. We are just urging customers to think about that and support them or they will be lost too."
