Historic Worthing store closes high street branch after more than 100 years

G. H. Pressley and Sons had been operating in the town for more than 100 years and had been run by five generations of Pressleys.

Owner Neville Pressley confirmed the shop in Montague Street closed its doors on Saturday.

The news comes after the company’s branch in South Street, which had been running since 1935, was closed in November.

Neville Pressley said at the time that the ‘tough decision’ came about because he and his brother Charles wanted to retire fully.

He said: “As a family we feel enormously privileged to have been a part of so many wonderful memories and life experiences for our established client base.”

His son Jonathan was due to continue running the branch in Montague Street, but with this now closed, Mr Pressley confirmed he would be focusing his efforts on the remaining branch in North Street, Chichester.

History of the store

The business began when George Harry Pressley, inspired by his watchmaker father (also called George) came to Worthing in 1905 and opened his first Worthing store in Montague Street in 1909.

In 1925 and 1930 respectively, George’s sons, Harry and Reg, joined the family business.

The South Street premises was opened in 1935 as George realised his ambition to trade in Worthing’s main shopping street.

Reg’s son Charles joined the business in 1960 and Neville became involved after that.

Jonathan, George’s great grandson, joined the family business in 2010.

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