Historic 200 year-old shoe retailer shuts its doors

AN historic shoe retailer in Halifax is shutting its doors after more than 200 years in business.

B. Aaron & Son saw Britain and the world change from the Napoleonic Wars through to man walking on the moon and the age of the internet.

It was founded in 1810 when Hanover native Benjamin Aaron came over from Germany fleeing the wars and launched a shoemaker shop on Gaol Lane.

Now, after two centuries the business is closing down in the face of growing budget retailers and the move towards online sales.

Owner Paul Aaron, the latest in a long line of the Aaron family to run the business, said on a Facebook post: “It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to cease trading from 30/03/16.

“My family and I would like to thank everyone for their loyal custom over the past 205 years.
I will be taking in orders and repairs until the end of Feb. [sic]”

Mr Aaron brough in his father and uncle as well as his eldest son Joseph on his last day, which will see generations seven through to nine working at the shop.

He is looking for buyers for the property and assets of the business. Visit the Brearly Green website for information.