BUSINESSES have paid tribute to one of the oldest businesses in south Essex after it announced plans to close down.

The Echo revealed yesterday Havens department store, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, will shut its doors for good to focus on its online business.

The landmark store is on the market for £1.5million. The building is likely to remain as a retail store on the ground floor with flats above.

Tony Field, from Fields Menswear, in Hamlet Court Road, said: “It’s a shame Havens is closing but I can’t say I blame them. Online shopping is taking its toll on high streets. Havens is another victim of this trend.

"Its a tough business to be in and the increase in business rates which is costing us an extra £5,000 a year and the pensions we now have to pay have also taken their toll. It comes to a point where its not sustainable any more.

“We are lucky that we are a formal menswear business and people still like to come in and try suits on. We also have a very loyal customer base, with people travelling to us from all over the country.”

Mr Field added: “People say they love these shops but they don’t shop there. You have to use these stores or they will be lost.”

Ravens department store, in Clifftown Road, Southend, is still thriving despite the trend towards online shopping.

Owner Neil Raven said: “It’s sad to see another family business go. It’s been there so long. We are the oldest shop in Southend and they are the second oldest so its sad to see this happen, but they have to think of their business and their family.

“From our point of view, we sell more clothing than gifts so we’re a bit different. People do still like to come and see clothing.

“The trend towards online shopping is growing. Retail has changed a lot in the last ten years.”

Havens is set to move its business to the ground floor of the building until a buyer comes forward. There is no set date for the closure.

The building is being marketed by Dedman Gray.