The owner of iconic north London fashion store Blustons today said he was "very emotional" as it closed its doors after more than 80 years.
Michael Albert said he was looking forward to retirement after deciding to call time on the shop, which has become a landmark in Kentish Town Road.
The store has been run by three generations of the same family since it opened in 1931. Mr Albert, who grew up in Highgate but now lives in Stanmore, began working at the shop aged 16 after leaving school.
He told the Standard he was "looking forward" to retirement but was also disappointed that his business venture was coming to an end.
He said: "It is very emotional. It will be nice to look forward to a new life with my wife. But on the other hand it has been a big thing in my life and it will be a big wrench to close.
He continued: "A lot of people have said it is a shame and saying 'where are we going to get our clothes', because we sell clothes for older people. They are a classic style."
Mr Albert's grandparents - Jane and Samuel Bluston - opened the store in the 1930s after fleeing Russia at the end of the nineteenth century because they faced persecution as Jews.
The shop originally sold mainly bridal gowns and morning wear, but later branched out to separates and trousers.
Commenting on the way the high street had changed in the past 80 years, he said: "Time passes and things change. Trade has changed. All the independent shops in the high street, except for this one, are gone and that is a shame."
It is not yet known what the shop will become but it is set to be put on the market for rent this month.
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