THE owner of an iconic jewellery outlet in Oldham is shutting up shop after nearly 40 years in business.

Alexander Jewellers in Greenacres Road Shopping Precinct is selling off its stock at reduced prices starting on Saturday (July 21) at a closing down sale.

Four staff employed by owner Darren Nutter are being made redundant. Mr Nutter, aged 52, said he made the decision to close the shop after being unable to negotiate a satisfactory extension to the lease on the shop with his private landlord.

Mr Nutter also said there had been a noticeable decline in retail recently.

“The current lease expires at the end of next April, but I have to strip everything out, so I need a window of time in order to do this.”

He said he planned to take a break from the jewellery business after closing the shop.

Mr Nutter has been operating as a jeweller in Oldham for nearly 40 years, 30 of which has been the owner.

He said he was launching his closing down sale as a “thank you and goodbye” to his loyal customer base. With gold and diamond rings, coloured stones, necklaces, bracelets and earrings available at half price.