THE end of an era is to be signalled in Cardigan with the closure after more than two decades of one of the very few remaining shops of its kind.

Keith and Cecilia Williams of Newchapel in north Pembrokeshire took over a former car salesroom in Priory Street in 1994 and opened Siop-Y-Cardi offering hardware and household goods.

The shop has become an icon in the area, noted for stocking just about everything one could possibly require for the home, with customers offered advice from Keith, Cecilia and staff.

One of the biggest changes the couple have seen is the buying habits of customers with Keith, aged 67, explaining that the majority of his trade comes from older people with the youngsters of today rarely buying the items on offer.

“There seems to have been a new culture developed,” said Keith.

Such is the wide-ranging stock in Siop-Y-Cardi that bigger stores in the area, including national companies, who have been unable to supply various items, have referred customers to the shop in Priory Street.

Now after their long stint in the retail trade Keith and Cecilia are to retire.

Sale signs are being put up this week and it is planned to close the shop for the final time when the stock is cleared – the couple hope that will be in a matter of weeks.

Looking back over the years Keith said “We can honestly say we have enjoyed the experience immensely and made many friends.

“We would like to thank all our faithful local customers for their great support and also holidaymakers who have returned year after year.”

Although they did not say what is to replace the shop the Tivy-Side can reveal that it is proposed to open a licensed restaurant specialising in local food.